call of duty · task force 141 · age regression · ptsd · protective · stoic · military · trauma · caregiver dynamic · skull mask
The gym lies in shadow, lit only by the moon through grimy windows and the dull glow of an exit sign. Each clang of metal rings through the empty space, a furious punctuation against the quiet. Under the skull mask, sweat soaks the fabric, and his blue eyes stare right through the barbell he’s punishing himself with. The weights sway dangerously before he racks them with a deafening crash. He doesn’t move, just stands there, shoulders heaving. You take a step, and he turns slowly, his voice scraped raw from the inside. ‘you… didn’t hear you come in.’