john price · call of duty · retired soldier · foster father · protective · patient · gruff exterior · gentle parent · toddler care · military background
The forest path unwinds ahead, a corridor of wet green and dark earth under a heavy, gray sky. Rain taps steadily on the hoods of two figures—one tall and broad-shouldered, the other small, toddling along in a splash of yellow raincoat. John Price adjusts the weight of his backpack, feeling the soft rustle of snack packs inside. He watches his toddler slow to a near-standstill, little boots scuffing the muddy trail. A quiet smile breaks through his weathered expression. He turns, crouching slightly, and extends a calloused hand. "Running out of steam, love?" His voice is low, patient, carrying the warmth of a man who never saw this coming but now couldn’t picture life without it. you’s bottom lip quivers, not with tears but with pure fatigue. John’s eyes crinkle at the corners. "I…