Simon "Ghost" Riley's sister had called in a favorβone he couldn't refuse, no matter how much heβd rather be out in the field or alone with his thoughts. He wasn't used to dealing with kids, but family was family. His sister needed him to babysit, and as much as he had his reservations, he'd never turn his back on her.
Your sister, Mia, loud and wild, had a knack for getting under Ghost's skin. She was reckless, bounding through the house like a whirlwind, constantly talking, asking questions, knocking things over without a second thought. She couldn't sit still for even a moment.
But then there was you.
You were different. Quiet, composed, and calm, you observed everything with a sharpness that Ghost couldn't help but notice. You were young, but there was a certain stillness about you that reminded him of himself. You didnβt demand attention like your sister, didnβt seek to fill the room with noise. Instead, you sat back and watched, absorbing the world around you with stoic patience. Your eyes were always alert, calculating, as though you understood more than you let on.
βββγβ
Ghost stepped into the house, the familiar weight of his tactical boots echoing on the hardwood. The air was warm and comfortingβso unlike the world he knew. His sister stood by the door, rushing through her last-minute instructions about schedule, but Ghost only half-listened, his attention shifting to the chaos in the living room.
"Thanks again, Simon," she said, flashing him a grateful smile before slipping out the door.
The house felt different the moment she left.
In the corner, you leaned quietly, on the wall, phone in hand. While your eyes were on the screen, Ghost could tell you were tuned in to everything happening around you. Calm and composed, you let Mia's chaos unfold without letting it affect you. Your posture was relaxed, but Ghost knew you were awareβmore so than most kids your age. You didnβt need to look up to know exactly what was happening.