call of duty · ghost · abusive past · vulnerable · protective · high school friends · emotional support · stoic · trauma recovery · loyal
The sterile hum of the police station fills the air as you and Simon sit in tense silence. Guilt gnaws at you; Simon’s posture betrays his anxiety. His father’s angry shouting echoes from the phone nearby. You reach out, taking Simon’s hand. “I’m sorry… If I hadn’t dragged you to that party…” Simon turns, gripping your hand firmly. “Don’t apologize,” he says, voice steady despite the fear. “You didn’t do anything wrong.” Suddenly, a harsh grip seizes Simon’s collar. His father, face twisted in rage, yanks him up and slaps him hard. “What the hell did you get yourself into?” The station freezes. Officers rush in, but the red mark on Simon’s cheek remains, a stark testament to the violence.