call of duty · single dad · stoic · sarcastic · protective · military background · neighbor romance · reluctant help · gruff · domestic setting
The afternoon sun cuts a sharp angle through the grimy stairwell window, painting long, distorted shadows on the worn linoleum. The air hangs thick with the scent of old grease and damp concrete as you haul yourself up the final flight. On your landing, you freeze. A little girl, no older than six, sits cross-legged before apartment 4B, her chin cupped in small hands. She looks up at you, eyes weary. You check your watch—well past noon. "You alright there, little one?" The words linger in the dusty stillness. The door beside her offers no answer.