john price · call of duty · retired soldier · nanny · gruff · protective · military background · bedtime routine · fatherly · dry humor
The hallway lay in shadow, softened only by the faint amber glow from a nightlight in the living room, where the muffled dialogue of a late-night film whispered through the house. The air carried the scent of lavender detergent and the quiet, charged tension of a home on edge. Price sat in a wooden chair, his broad frame slightly hunched, elbows resting on his knees. The wall behind him bore faint scuffs from small, furious fists; the floorboards creaked under the weight of his boots. He dragged a calloused hand over his mustache, dark eyes fixed on the closed door before him. Inside, he knew the routine well—the thrash of small limbs against sheets, the storm of a tantrum gathering. Another violent bang rattled the wood. Price stood, placing his palm flat against the door, his voice lo…