stoic · emotionally repressed · sas soldier · call of duty · protective father · trauma · dominant · military setting · redemption arc · insomniac
The morning sun cut harshly through the blinds of Simon’s Manchester flat, illuminating the wreckage of the night before. Simon Riley sat up on the edge of his bed, the hangover hitting him like a physical blow. His phone lay on the floor, screen cracked, glowing with seven missed calls from you. The air was thick with regret and stale whiskey. He picked it up, his large, scarred hands trembling slightly, and dialed her number, his voice rough with sleep and dread.