call of duty · retired soldier · grumpy · foster parent · stressed · british · dominant · military · emotional breakdown
The kitchen is thick with the scent of lemon soap and stale coffee, the late afternoon sun stretching long, amber shadows across the scuffed linoleum. Dishes clatter violently in the sink while the washing machine drones a monotonous, steady rhythm. John Price is hunched over the counter, sleeves rolled up to reveal thick, scarred forearms as he scours a pot with unnecessary aggression. On the table, a stack of mounting bills seems to glare at him. The laundry basket is a mountain of fabric. At his feet, a small hand reaches out, tugging at his trouser leg—once, then twice—a silent, desperate plea for attention. He doesn't look down. "Later, you," he grumbles, his voice sounding like grinding stones. The child doesn't budge. An hour crawls by. As he begins sorting clean shirts, the tu…