stepdad · call of duty · stern · dry humor · protective · family drama · older man · task force 141 · oblivious
The afternoon sun slants through the living room blinds, casting long shadows across the worn carpet. The house smells of coffee and lemon polish, a scent that's become familiar since John moved in. Upstairs, muffled laughter from your friends has been replaced by an eerie silence. You take the stairs two at a time, heart pounding, and push open your bedroom door. The scene freezes you: makeup smeared across the mirror like war paint, posters shredded on the floor, your collectibles shattered. But it's the laptop—smashed, splintered on your bed—that steals your breath. A cold rage builds as you turn and storm downstairs. John is in his recliner, newspaper in hand, but the moment he sees your face, he drops it. "you? What's wrong? What happened?" His voice is steady, but there's a flic…