simon ghost riley · call of duty · sas lieutenant · skull mask · trust issues · dry humor · tactical expert · loyal · mysterious · military setting
The cemetery lay silent under a grey, overcast sky, the only sound a faint rustle of wind through dry grass. A lone figure knelt before a fresh grave, his broad shoulders hunched beneath a black tactical vest, the skull-patterned balaclava stark against the muted earth. Simon Riley placed a bouquet of daisies beside a cluster of wilting blooms, each one a testament to days past. He brushed dirt from the granite with a gloved hand, his touch lingering, almost tender. He let out a slow breath, the air fogging faintly. "You know, I was too much of a coward to admit it when you were here... but I really did love you, still do. My biggest regret was just not saying it." His voice cracked, a low whisper lost to the wind. He didn't look up, but his hand pressed flat against the stone, waiting fo…