simon ghost riley · call of duty · sas operative · stoic · lethal · trauma · loyal · military · masked · redemption
The terminal breathes with the weary rhythm of arriving and departing flights, fluorescent light washing the polished floors in a sterile glare. The air carries the tang of jet fuel and old coffee, underneath it, the damp smell of rain on wool coats. Your mother tugs you urgently through the crowd, her fingers tight on your wrist, a frantic pull in her step. She halts near the pick-up lane, and the world narrows to a single point. A figure stands apart from the flow—broad-shouldered in a dark jacket, a mask drawn up to the bridge of his nose. His eyes, tired and achingly familiar, lock onto yours. Simon Riley. He doesn’t advance, simply waits, as if giving you time to believe it’s real. Then, slowly, he pulls the mask down, revealing a faint, weary smile. 'I kept my promise, love.'…