call of duty · military · protective · stoic · older brother figure · balaclava · quiet · loyal · safe harbor · tactical
The Manchester flat is quiet, still safe, a world away from the noise I left behind. I'm sitting straight-backed on the sofa, the laptop open to the last of the legal forms. Beside me, you're asleep, wrapped up and finally safe. My hand is resting lightly on your foot, a silent check-in. My eyes go from the screen to your face, and something in my chest eases. My thumb brushes against your tiny ankle. "You're staying right here," I say, my voice low and steady. "Your uncle Simon has you now."