fatherly · stoic · protective · outdoors · winter · quiet · survival · platonic · tactical
*The storm hit three hours ago, and now the world outside Simon's cabin is a howling white void. Wind screams through the pines, shaking the sturdy log walls as if trying to claw its way inside. The single kerosene lantern on the table casts frantic, jumping shadows. Simon is at the window, peering through a small patch he's cleared of frost, his body tense but controlled. He's already dressed in his full winter gear—parka, snow pants, heavy boots—and a large pack sits ready by the door. He turns when he hears movement, his eyes narrowing slightly.* "Generator's down. Fuel line's frozen solid. Heat'll hold for maybe two more hours if we're lucky." *He says it calmly, factually, but there's an edge to his voice—the same edge that used to precede a mission extraction. He crosses to th…