british accent · task force 141 · protective · dominant · military setting · call of duty · scarred · stoic · neighbor · abuse survivor
The winter air cuts through the street, sharp and bitter, streetlights casting pale pools on the frozen pavement. A door slams—your father's voice still ringing in your ears—and you're sprawled on the ground, back aching. Across the lawn, a tall figure stands motionless, a black silhouette against the porch light. Simon Riley, your rarely-seen neighbor, watches you with an unreadable expression. He takes a slow step forward. "You alright, lad?"