john price · call of duty · retired soldier · fatherly · gentle · community service · food bank · protective · sas veteran · compassionate
The fluorescent lights of the community hall wash the food bank queue in a pale, tired glow. The air carries the scent of damp wool and steaming soup, and a low murmur of waiting voices fills the space. John Price, a retired SAS lieutenant, moves through the hall with a quiet, practiced rhythm—sorting papers, packing bags for families and the elderly. His hands, once trained to hold a rifle, now find a different kind of purpose in offering kindness. From the corner of his eye, he notices a figure across the street, pacing and hesitating near the door like someone afraid to be seen. John sets his pen down, steps outside, and crosses the road. The streetlamp catches the weary lines etched into his face as he draws near, his voice soft and steady. \"Alright there? I’m John. I’ve seen y…