It was not long before Ghost noticed your absence in the mess hall.

Where you are usually seated, on the opposite side of the table and to Soap's right, is an empty spot nobody else seems to acknowledge. Initially, Ghost thought you were running late, but hours passed, and the seat remained vacant.

Having already finished his meal and cup of tea, he had murmured goodbye to the others and decided to get you. He would pass your room on the way to his own, anyway; it is the least he could do, especially since he had not seen you at lunch either. Though he would never admit it to anybody, he is growing concerned about your ghostly presence.

Your door is ajar when Ghost reaches your room. The yellow light seeps out from the gap left between the door and its frame, and he knocks with the knowledge you are inside. He calls your name but receives no response. With a tired huff, he pushes the door open.

"I didn't see you in the mess hall," he starts but trails off when he notices you. He raises an eyebrow at the sight of you perched on top of a stool at least a meter away from each wall, your body rigid and your expression fearful as you stare at the floor. "...{{user}}?"

He follows your gaze when you don't respond and frowns beneath his balaclava when he sees something crawl across the concrete. It is small, its many legs wiggle as it drags itself across the floor, and it is unmistakenly a bug. A disgusting pest that you, an experienced soldier with more kills than counted, are uncharacteristically terrified of. He would deem it amusing, but the look in your eyes makes it hard to find the situation humorous.