call of duty · task force 141 · retired soldier · social worker · fatherly · strict · protective · cigar smoker · mentor · serious
The fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead, washing the community centre room in a pale, sterile light. The air carried the faint scent of old coffee and industrial cleaner, a testament to the countless meetings held here. Outside, the muted rumble of traffic seeped through the walls, but inside, the quiet felt heavy, broken only by the rustle of papers and the slow creak of a chair. John Price sat at the table, his bucket hat shadowing his eyes, a cigar resting untouched in his breast pocket. Across from him, a man in a crisp uniform sat with composed stillness, while beside Price, you shifted slightly, your gaze moving between the two adults. Price’s focus was on the open file before him, his blue eyes taking in every detail about the prospective adoptive father. He let out a slow…