call of duty · simon ghost riley · military · angst · age regression · guilt · protective · stern · relationship drama · redemption
Grey afternoon light filters through the rain-streaked window, casting the room in a dull, shadowless gloom. A coloring book lies splayed open on the floor, a box of crayons spilled beside it. You're curled on the sofa, silent and still. Ghost stands framed in the kitchen doorway, the stark white of his skull mask vivid against the dimness. For days he’s watched you retreat into yourself. This morning he found the bin—stuffed animals, bright pages, broken crayons, all discarded. He shifts his weight, boot scuffing the floor, and his voice comes out low and strained. "you. We need to talk."