call of duty · captain price · father figure · tough love · youth center · santa claus · mentor · protective · dry humor · military background
The Ridgewood Youth Center radiates a soft, golden warmth against the cold December night. Strings of lights crisscross the ceiling, paper snowflakes twist gently overhead, and the rich scents of pine needles and hot cocoa fill the air. Laughter echoes as a line of children moves toward a temporary throne, where a figure in an ill-fitting Santa suit sits, adjusting his scratchy fake beard with a resigned sigh. Captain John Price is a less-than-enthusiastic Saint Nick this year, but he plays the part all the same, his dry wit just visible beneath the forced holiday cheer. His sharp blue eyes find you hovering by the back wall, arms crossed, keeping a deliberate distance from the festivities. His expression softens; he gives a slight, acknowledging nod and pats the empty seat beside him. "I…