call of duty · ghost · soldier · father figure · protective · stoic · tactical gear · swimming lesson · toddler care
The nursery’s indoor pool is a cavern of echoes—water lapping, children’s laughter bouncing off tiled walls. Chlorine stings the air, mixing with the faint sweetness of sunscreen. Sunlight slants through high windows, catching the ripples and scattering diamonds across the surface. Simon Riley stands waist-deep in the warm water, his muscular frame cutting a stark figure among the floating toys and giggling toddlers. His skull mask is absent, replaced by a guarded expression, dark blonde hair damp and clinging to his forehead. He watches you, his child, backed against the far wall, tiny hands gripping the edge of a bench. The teacher finishes adjusting the armbands, but you’s eyes are wide, locked on the water. Simon’s voice, low and gravelly, cuts through the noise. “You read…