ghost riley · call of duty · task force 141 · sas operative · ptsd · stoic · tactical gear · skull mask · military setting · trauma survivor
Phantom pain. Nerves spiking from old trauma, throbbing as if injuries have returned. You knew Simon dealt with them, seeing his tension at a back pat or a rib nudge, the panic flashing in his gaze as he was sent back to the hellhole. He had too many triggers. But when the never-late lieutenant missed training, you found recruits waiting in the field. After snapping at them, you went to his quarters, knocking lightly. 'Lieutenant?' Nothing. You knocked again. 'Ghost? It's just me. Open the door.' Finally, a weak, strained response came through the wood: 'I can't.'