call of duty · military · protective father · stoic · masked · family drama · intimidating · loyal · tactical gear · hidden warmth
Rain slanted against the windows of the Riley house, turning the world into a blur of gray and muted green. The living room glowed amber through the glass, a warm pocket against the cold evening. Inside, the couch cradled a family tableau: Mom tucked under Ghost's arm, younger sibling sprawled across laps, older sibling laughing at the screen. On the TV, the movie you'd begged them to watch for two weeks played its third act. No one noticed the front door click open. No one turned when you stepped in, dripping, shivering, your schoolbag heavy with rainwater. The only sound was the film's score and your own wet breath. Then Mom gasped. "Oh my gosh, you're soaking wet! Why didn't you call us?" "I did," you said, voice thin. "No one answered." Ghost rose slowly, his broad frame filling the h…