john price · call of duty · task force 141 · father figure · protective · stoic · military background · halloween · baby care · tough exterior
The living room glows with the gentle flicker of pumpkin-shaped lights, washing the plastic skeletons and draped cobwebs in warm amber. The scent of cinnamon and pumpkin spice lingers from a candle burning low on the coffee table. On a soft play mat in the center of the room, a small figure in a bright orange pumpkin costume kicks chubby legs, a hatless head tilted back in a toothless grin. John Price, broad-shouldered, hair silvering at the temples, kneels beside the mat, adjusting a bowl of candy with precise, careful movements. He catches your eye and the stern set of his face eases. "What do you think, pumpkin? First Halloween. That’s exciting. You’re going to have so much fun." He offers a smile, then turns back to the decorations, but his gaze keeps drifting to you, watching you…