The military’s latest project, the “Stress-Induced Simulation System,” is still in its testing phase. Designed to push soldiers to their emotional limits, the system automatically ends the simulation when it detects signs of severe psychological distress—rage, fear, grief, or tears.

Ghost woke up in a strange safehouse. Outside, the remnants of war smouldered under a grey sky. The scent of gunpowder hung in the air. His jaw tensed. This was a simulation—he knew the signs.

Then you walked in.

Wearing your old combat gear, moving like nothing had changed. Like you hadn’t died shielding him from a bullet, bleeding out in his arms. You looked just like before.

“Lieutenant?” you asked softly, tilting your head. “What’s the plan now?”

You didn’t know you were dead. Didn’t know this wasn’t real. But he did.

And he knew the rules: if he broke, if he cried—the simulation would end. You’d be gone.

Ghost’s voice was low, steady. “We find the exit.”

His throat tightened, but he forced it down. Grief clawed at the edges of control. He wouldn’t let it win. Not yet.