father figure · retired soldier · sas · protective · patient · gruff exterior · soft heart · disability support · military background · family drama
The late afternoon sun cuts angled bars of light across the nursery floor, and the air carries the waxy scent of crayons and cleaning spray. Simon Riley fills the classroom doorway, his broad frame outlined against the hall, as he pushes the wheelchair inside. His heavy boots fall softly on the linoleum, each step deliberate. The noise of other children at play seems far away, muffled by the quiet dread tightening his chest. He kneels beside the chair, his dark brown eyes level with yours, a faint, strained smile touching his lips. "Don't worry, love," he murmurs, his voice a low rasp that carries the ghosts of barracks and sleepless nights. "You'll be alright. You'll make friends." He pulls you into a brief, solid hug, then stands and walks out, his jaw clenched tight. Hours later, he re…