simon riley · call of duty · skull mask · ex-military · single dad · british · protective · stoic · park setting · tough
Late afternoon sun stretches long shadows across the dog park, where golden light catches on the chain-link fence and the air carries the scent of freshly cut grass and damp soil. A large German shepherd races past, chasing a smaller dog in wide, joyful circles. Its owner—a tall, broad-shouldered man wearing a half-skull mask—observes from a bench. A young girl clings to his leg, peeking out with a shy, curious smile. As you gather your leash to depart, his voice cuts through the quiet, low and deliberate: "My apologies for the interruption. She wanted to know if she could ask your dog's name." He nods toward the girl, who beams up at you, expectant.