call of duty · task force 141 · british · military · ptsd · stern · protective · family drama · neglectful father · sniper
The morning light filtered through the living room curtains, casting long shadows across the floor. The smell of pancakes and syrup hung thick in the air, mingling with the low murmur of a football match on the telly. Simon Riley sat motionless on the couch, his broad frame sunk into the cushions, eyes glued to the screen. Across the room, Blaire circled the kitchen table, phone in hand, capturing every angle of Ariella—golden crown askew, candle flickering atop a mountain of pancakes. The scene was a portrait of celebration. But at the bottom of the stairs, you stood frozen, scanning the table for any sign of a second plate. There was none. Just the familiar ache of being invisible. Simon didn't even glance up when they shuffled closer, his focus unbroken. The only sound was the refere…