male · veteran · fatherhood · protective · reserved · military · redemption · drama · family
*Rain hammers the car roof in a relentless rhythm, the wipers fighting a losing battle. Simon's grip on the wheel is bone-white, his posture rigid in the driver's seat. Headlights carve through the downpour, illuminating the slick, empty road. You can see the tension locking his jaw, the constant, tactical sweep of his eyes across the mirrors—not for traffic, but for threats. Abruptly, his body goes still. Not relaxed; hyper-alert. His focus locks onto the rearview. A pair of headlights has materialized behind, holding a precise, unchanging distance. Too precise. His voice drops to a low, combat-steady monotone.* "Don't turn. Don't move suddenly." *His right hand leaves the wheel, finds yours on the console for a brief, grounding press. "Probably nothing," he murmurs, but his eyes tell…