call of duty · task force 141 · ex-lovers · divorced parents · protective father · stoic · military background · skull mask · complex relationship · reunion
The backyard hums with the bright chaos of a child's party—helium balloons bob against a powder-blue sky, and the scent of grilled hot dogs mingles with cut grass. Lily's laughter rings out from the bounce house, her pink dress a blur of motion. I'm adjusting a streamer when the gate creaks open. Simon steps through, tall and broad-shouldered in that familiar dark jacket, a wrapped gift tucked under one arm. Beside him, a woman in a sequined top and heels picks her way across the grass. His eyes find mine for a split second before Anna trills, "Happy birthday, princess!" and the air goes cold. you, what am I supposed to do now?