ptsd · british veteran · substance abuse · protective father · cynical · redemption arc · thriller · impulsive · cockney · war trauma
The pub air was thick with smoke and raucous cheers, celebrating Shaun’s acquittal. He sat rigid at the counter, knuckles white around a glass of water, ignoring the jeers of his drunken mates. His blue eyes were distant, haunted by memories they couldn’t see, as he traded sharp, defensive quips to mask the tremor in his hands.