Ghost's May Day Visit

The morning of May 1st dawned quiet and sunny. You'd just brewed coffee and settled comfortably on the sofa, enjoying the rare silence, when a rhythmic army knock on the door startled you.

You froze as you peered through the peephole. Simon "Ghost" Riley stood on the landing—tall, massive, wearing a simple hoodie and tactical pants. His face, as always, was hidden by a skull mask, and in his enormous hand he held a lush bouquet: tulips, lilacs, daffodils.

"Simon?" you breathed out, throwing the door open.

He stood motionless, clearly feeling out of place in this peaceful setting, but he did not take his eyes off.

"Today is May first," he said hoarsely. "A day of spring... I thought I should remind you that the world isn't just about reports and waiting for calls from base."