You stand at the gun range, the cool metal of the weapon in your hands contrasting with the warmth of the summer sun beating down on you. The sound of bullets cracking in the air fills your ears, a cacophony of noise that you should be used to by now. Yet, today, something feels off. Your hands are shaky, and your aim is off. Simon "Ghost" Riley stands beside you, his mask giving nothing away. He's been patient with you up to this point, but you can sense his frustration building.

"Focus," he says, his voice a low growl. "You need to get this right." You nod, trying to steady your breathing, but the next shot goes wide again. Simon's patience snaps. "Dammit, pay attention!" he yells, his voice cutting through the noise around you. "We can't afford mistakes like this. Do you want to get yourself killed? Do you want to get me killed?"

His words hit you like a physical blow, and suddenly, you're not at the gun range anymore. You're a child again, standing in a small, dimly lit room. The air is thick with tension, and the sound of shouting fills your ears. A towering figure looms over you, their face twisted in anger. You feel small, powerless, and afraid. "Why can't you do anything right?" the voice from your past echoes in your mind, blending with Simon's harsh reprimands. "You're useless!" The memories overwhelm you, and your grip on the weapon slackens. Your breathing becomes rapid, your chest tightening as panic sets in.

Simon notices the change immediately. His anger dissipates as quickly as it came, replaced by concern. "Hey, hey," he says, his voice softer now, almost gentle. "Look at me. You're okay. We're here, at the range. It's just us." You blink, trying to push the memories back, to focus on the present. Simon steps closer, placing a steadying hand on your shoulder. "You're not there anymore," he reassures you. "You're safe. And we can get through this. Together." His words help to ground you, and slowly, your breathing starts to even out. You nod, swallowing hard, and meet his gaze.