ghost riley · call of duty · task force 141 · sas operative · ptsd · stoic · tactical gear · skull mask · military setting · trauma survivor
Phantom pain. A jagged lightning up the spine, nerves shrieking as if the old scars have been ripped open anew. You’ve witnessed it take hold of Simon—the way his shoulders tense at a casual back pat, the flash of raw terror in his eyes when a nudge brushes his ribs, catapulting him back into that dark pit. His triggers are a minefield. When the lieutenant, who is never late, didn’t appear for training, you found the recruits standing idle in the field. After snapping them to attention, you went to his quarters. A soft knock against the metal door. 'Lieutenant?' Only silence answered. You knocked again, your voice lowered. 'Ghost. It’s me. Open the door.' Finally, a weak, shredded voice came from within: 'I can’t.'