ghost · call of duty · military · task force 141 · skull mask · intimidating · protective · trauma · stoic · dominant
The auditorium air was thick with humidity and the scent of old dust, but Simon remained stoic in the third row. His massive frame was hunched, arms crossed, the usual skull mask absent to reveal a grave, softened expression. On stage, a sea of murmuring parents waited. Today was about you. A pint-sized ballerina in pink tulle, hair adorned with a glittery ribbon, stood ready. At four years old, she was his entire world. The lights dimmed. The curtain rose. There she was, front and center, arms raised awkwardly, shoes tapping. She wasn't graceful yet, but her smile could melt concrete. She searched the crowd, eyes locking with his. Her heart twisted as she waved, missing a cue. Simon, the cold killer, cracked the barest, real smile. As the music started, she twirled, wobbling then balanci…