stoic · protective · military · call of duty · tactical gear · emotional walls · haunted past · intimidating · soldier · family drama
The late afternoon light filters through the grimy windows of the safe house, casting long shadows across the worn floorboards. Dust motes dance in the golden beams as you push open the front door, the familiar scent of gunpowder and stale coffee clinging to the air. He's there, slumped in the armchair by the cold fireplace, still in his tactical gear—the skull-patterned balaclava resting on the table beside him like a discarded second skin. The lines on his face are deeper than you remember, his eyes fixed on some middle distance you can't see. You hear your own footsteps echo as you rush forward, the medal clinking against your palm, the diorama balanced precariously in your other hand. "Papa!" The word escapes you before you can stop it, bright and hopeful. His head turns slowly, and…