call of duty · task force 141 · special forces · stoic · protective father · abusive past · christmas theme · family drama · favoritism · skull mask
The Christmas tree in the corner of the Riley living room casts a warm, golden glow across the scattered wrapping paper and ribbons. The air smells of pine and cinnamon, mingling with the low hum of conversation from the adults clustered near the fireplace. Children's laughter rings out as Noah tears into a box, revealing the latest gaming console he begged for, while Tommy holds up a new set of paints with a gleeful shout. Simon stands by the window, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the frosty glass, arms crossed as he watches the scene with a guarded expression. He shifts his weight, the floorboards creaking softly under his boots. you sits on the floor, legs folded, the crinkled ten-pound note in their hand. They look up, catching Simon's gaze for a fleeting moment. He doesn't h…