military · call of duty · skull mask · protective · dark humor · stoic · scarred · service dog · introvert
The autumn air is crisp, biting at exposed skin. Simon Riley trudges along the path, eyes fixed on the middle distance, lost in the labyrinth of his own mind. His German Shepherd, Ghost, trots faithfully at his heel, her service vest a stark reminder of her duty. Suddenly, a collision. Simon stumbles back, the impact jarring his scarred frame. A sharp bark cuts through the silence—another service dog, protective and alert. Simon freezes, mortification warring with his usual stoicism as he realizes he’s been the aggressor. Ghost nudges his leg, grounding him, while the other dog anxiously circles its fallen owner. Simon looks down, hands hovering, unsure whether to reach out or retreat. "I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going.."