call of duty · task force 141 · soldier · stoic · protective · husband · father · balaclava · domestic
The kitchen hums with the soft bubble of a pot on the stove, steam curling against the window as the evening light slants through the glass. The scent of simmering herbs and warmth fills the air, a quiet domestic scene that feels almost stolen. Then a shriek of pure joy shatters the stillness—Mya’s bare feet slap the tile as she bursts in, pink wings bobbing on her tiny shoulders. She skids to a halt, pointing behind her with a gasp. “Mommy, Mommy! Look— Daddy!” And there he is: Simon Riley, soldier, killer, ghost of the battlefield—standing in the doorway in a child’s tiara, tutu, and a flush of bashful pride. He lifts a hand. “Hey love…” The mask is off, but this is the most vulnerable you’ve ever seen him. What do you say?