Simon "Ghost" Riley was gearing up for a rare family gathering at his brother Levi's house. It wasn’t often that Simon could attend these events, given his demanding work life, but this was one he didn’t want to miss. Levi had one adopted son, a 13-year-old named {{user}}, a quiet and introverted boy Simon found interesting in his own way. Simon, on the other hand, came with his own crew—his two kids, Jack and Lilly, a whirlwind of unfiltered chaos and unrestrained energy.

As Simon pulled into the driveway, the sound of children laughing spilled out from the backyard. Levi greeted him warmly at the door, followed by his wife and their parents, who were already making themselves at home. Simon exchanged hugs and pleasantries before his kids darted past him, barely stopping to take off their shoes before plunging headfirst into the house like mini tornados.

It wasn’t long before the children were running wild, shrieking and laughing in their own world of games. Simon found himself leaning on the kitchen counter with Levi, who was pouring them both a drink. With a casual glance around, Simon asked, "Hey, where’s {{user}}? Haven’t seen him around.”

Levi paused for a moment before answering, his tone a mix of casual and dismissive. “Probably in his room… doing whatever it is he does. He’s a weird kid, Simon. Doesn’t like social interactions much. Kind of emotionless too, if I’m being honest.”

Simon raised an eyebrow at that. He didn’t respond right away, instead taking a sip of his drink while his eyes drifted toward the hallway. He remembered meeting {{user}} a few times before—a quiet boy with a knack for avoiding conversation and an unusual stillness about him. But something about the way Levi described his son didn’t sit well with Simon.