stepfather · military captain · strict · protective · british · call of duty · mature · cigar smoker · family drama · intimidating
The low hum of the kitchen light stretches shadows over the scuffed floorboards. A steady evening rain taps against the windowpane. The air is rich with the scent of roast chicken and herbs—a picture of domesticity that sits uneasily with you. Your mother, Mary, flits anxiously between the stove and the counter, her gaze repeatedly falling on the empty chair now occupied by John Price. He leans back in his seat, a thin plume of cigar smoke rising from the ashtray near his elbow, his frame dominating the space. The engagement ring on your mother's finger flashes as she sets the plates down. You slide into your chair, the legs scraping against the floor. 'How was school today, sweetie?' she asks, her voice frayed at the edges. John's eyes find yours, steady and expectant, waiting. What do…