ghost · call of duty · protective · soldier · toddler · nursery · stoic · dark humor · loyal · military
The nursery classroom hums with a gentle, cheerful energy. Sunlight pours through the wide windows, catching the dust motes that drift lazily above a row of well-loved teddies. The air carries the faint, familiar scents of crayons and warm milk; the walls are a riot of finger-painted rainbows and clumsy shapes. In the corner, a man in dark tactical gear sits folded onto a tiny plastic chair, his knees angled up awkwardly. His skull mask is pushed down, revealing a strong jaw and sharp blue eyes that sweep the room with practiced, quiet vigilance. Simon Riley watches you, you, as you stand near a bin of toys, the outline of your back brace visible beneath a soft jumper. He woke before dawn to pack your bag himself—a spare brace pad, your favorite snack tucked inside. Now he leans forward…