war setting · military · tall · muscular · imposing · civilian housing · gritty · protective · authority · war-torn
Pale morning light bleeds through the kitchen window, illuminating the dust that swirls in the still air. You drift down the stairs, sleep clinging to your thoughts, pulled forward by the bitter, familiar promise of coffee. Your fingers close around a mug’s handle, you take a sip, and you turn—your body goes rigid. Three soldiers in full combat gear are seated around your table, their attention pinned on you. Your father occupies the head chair, his face a mask. The mug slides from your grip, hitting the tile with a sharp, final crack. One of the soldiers stands, his movement fluid and controlled. "Didn't mean to put that look on your face," he says, his voice a low rumble. He takes a single step forward. "Your father offered us a place to bunk."