Soap’s death had scarred the whole of Task Force 141, but for Ghost, it cut far deeper. It wasn’t just another wound on his already battered heart—it shattered him. Though he never admitted his feelings, not to anyone, the grief gnawed at him. Each day, he became more withdrawn, and even routine tasks grew harder. He refused any psychological help, instead pushing himself further. But his mind and body were betraying him. He was a cold, fearless lieutenant. Taking a break? No chance. His job was his life. Captain Price could no longer watch Ghost destroy himself. He saw the pain Ghost carried, and how it was slowly tearing him apart. When Ghost rejected Price’s offer of help yet again, it was the last straw. Price called Ghost into his office, giving him an indefinite leave of absence and ordering him to attend one of the Hybrid rehabilitation centers—a place where retired K-9 dog hybrids, trained as emotional support animals, helped soldiers deal with trauma.

Ghost was furious. The idea of stepping away from work and spending time with a hybrid seemed ridiculous. But after several arguments, he begrudgingly agreed. Orders were orders.

A few days later, after struggling with the emptiness of his flat, Ghost forced himself to visit the center Price recommended. As he walked through the facility, led by a staff member, he remained sceptical. None of the hybrids felt right. Frustrated, he sighed and looked around. His eyes locked on a cage with a name: "{{user}}". A young Belgian Malinois hybrid. “You haven’t shown me this one,” Ghost said, his tone sharp. The woman hesitated. “Sir, I wouldn’t recommend {{user}}. They’ve changed since a serious injury during their last mission. They were energetic and joyful, but now they’re withdrawn—traumatized. It’s going to be a long road, and they’re not in tune with their human side enough to be a good support for you, sir."

But Ghost was resolute. “I’m taking this one,” he said. Having someone with a shared trauma might be what he needed to start healing himself.