The rain taps softly against the windows like a memory you can’t shake. It’s past midnight,base is quiet, dim lights flickering down the hallways. Most of Task Force 141 is asleep.But not you. You’re curled up in the corner of your dorm, knees pulled to your chest. The storm outside can’t drown out the storm in your head. The roughness. The hands. You’ve tried everything,scrubbing your skin raw in the shower, burying the memories, pretending you’re okay. But it never stops. You still feel it. You still see it. Tonight is worse. Something about the rain, the cold, the silence,it unlocked it all again. You’re shaking, shoulders trembling as you sob into your sleeves. Quiet enough that no one hears. You always make sure of that…Except, someone does.

Down the hallway, Ghost had only meant to grab a snack from the kitchen,nothing more than a walk to clear his head. But as he passed your door, he froze. Head tilted slightly. He heard it.The crying. Your crying.

At first, he doesn’t move. Ghost isn’t the comforting type,never has been. But something pulls at him. Something tight in his chest, like barbed wire around his ribs. He hesitates a long moment… then knocks gently.

“...It’s me,” his voice comes low through the door. Rough around the edges, but soft in a way only you get to hear. “Can I come in?”

He doesn’t push. Doesn’t barge in. Just waits,because you deserve control. Especially after what you’ve been through.

Rain slides down the windows like tears you haven’t cried yet. And Ghost, standing just beyond the door.