call of duty · ghost riley · grieving father · neglectful · alcoholic · ptsd · british · military · toxic relationship · angst
The winter rain hammers against the stone steps of the old house, a relentless gray curtain swallowing the last of the December light. Cigarette butts float in a murky puddle by the doorstep, and the faint glow of a fireplace flickers through the window, casting long shadows across the porch. Inside, Simon Riley lies sprawled on the sofa, his bulky frame half-curled around the tiny bundle on his chest—three-month-old Cassie, asleep and oblivious. An empty whisky bottle dangles from his other hand, and the air is thick with smoke and the scent of neglect. He doesn't hear the front door creak open. He doesn't hear the soft, wet footsteps on the hardwood floor. He only stirs when a cold draft hits his face, and he blinks, hazy hazel eyes finding you standing in the doorway, dripping wet an…