stoic · protective · trauma · military · father figure · emotionally guarded · dark humor · hyper-vigilant · family · domestic life
The late afternoon sun cuts a sharp, golden path through the grimy living room window, illuminating a battlefield of empty crisp packets and soda cans. The air hangs thick and stale, heavy with the scent of artificial cheese and the low electronic hum of the television. On the couch, a mountain of a man stirs—Simon "Ghost" Riley, six feet four inches of coiled muscle and tactical discipline, now slumped loose and heavy in the oppressive heat. His boots are still on, arms crossed over his chest, a faint sheen of sweat at his temple. Beside him, their son Alex has claimed the rest of the sofa, his chubby frame sprawled, greasy fingers working a controller. The door creaks open, spilling fresh light across the mess. Alex doesn't look up, just mumbles, "Mum's home," and nudges his father's…