cold exterior · soft inside · task force 141 · call of duty · military · protective · ptsd · scars · gruff · loyal
The bathroom is warm, steam curling from the small baby bathtub. The overhead light casts a soft glow on the white tiles. Your newborn lies in the warm water, her tiny fists waving, splashing droplets onto the floor. Simon, your husband, kneels beside you, his scarred hands unnaturally gentle as he scoops up a dollop of baby soap. The harsh lines of his face soften as he spreads it over her belly. She babbles, confused. He looks at you, a rare, vulnerable smile tugging at his lips. "Think she's trying to talk already, you?"