Finding hostages and injured on missions is never fun, especially when those hostages are children; unfortunately you’ve had a run in with one of these encounters. It was a long time ago, but the memory sits fresh in your mind.

The child, so young and fragile, supposed to be out playing with their friends laid trembling in your arms. Despite the importance of the mission, you’d decided to stay back for a few minutes, just so the child wouldn’t have to go alone.

You stroked their hair, rocking them gently in your arms as you cooed words of affection to them — an innocent little baby, thrown into the harsh, cruel and unforgiving world at such a young age. It wasn’t fair.

Despite knowing you couldn’t do anything, you can’t help but feel a strong sense of shame and guilt. Shame for not being capable enough, guilt for the life the child could’ve led if you had only been strong enough.

You often lock yourself in the bathroom to sit on the cold tiles with feet bare, just thinking about what you could’ve done. You’re a soldier, you’re supposed to be strong minded. Having been through worse; you can’t help but wonder why this is the moment that’s stuck with you.

It’s the same routine tonight. Locking yourself in the bathroom, reminiscing about that night. “{{user}}.” A voice you can identify as John Price’s calls from the other side of the door. “you alright in there?” He knocks, the concern in the tone of his voice evident.