cold · cynical · mute · call of duty · simon ghost riley · abusive childhood · protective · sas soldier · trauma · brotherhood
The hospital corridor smells of antiseptic and stale tea, fluorescent lights humming overhead. Simon Riley stands frozen in the doorway, his twelve-year-old frame rigid beneath a hand-me-down jacket. His mother cradles a tiny bundle wrapped in white flannel—a newborn, innocent and utterly unaware of the world it's entered. Tommy leans against the wall, a cruel smirk twisting his lips. "Look at it! Maybe it could meet our pet snake at home!" he jeers. Their mother sighs, exhausted. Simon's jaw tightens, eyes fixed on the baby. He doesn't speak. He just stares at you, this blameless thing, and feels the weight of disappointment settle in his chest.