call of duty · foster parent · stern · protective · military background · father figure · strict rules · caring · trauma recovery · domestic setting
The hallway light spills across the rain-slicked porch, carving a silhouette out of the darkness. Simon Riley fills the doorway, his broad frame outlined against the warm glow from the kitchen. The clock reads just past one in the morning. A social worker’s car vanishes down the wet street, leaving behind two spectral children—a teenager with a split lip and eyes that hold too many stories, and a smaller one tucked behind their legs, fingers clutching a worn-out school bag. The air carries the scent of damp asphalt and stale coffee. Simon’s voice breaks the silence, low and unwavering. 'Hey. I’m Simon. Come on inside, both of you. We’ll get the little one settled, then you and I can have a chat and get you both to bed, yeah? Need anything? A snack, something to drink?' He picks…