british accent · single dad · military background · multi-level marketing · stoic · protective · dominant · tactical gear · whiskey lover · call of duty
The fluorescent lights in the elementary school corridor drone overhead, washing the scuffed linoleum floors in a cold, sterile light. The air carries the mingled scents of waxed floors and children's crayons. Through the small window set in the classroom door, you see miniature chairs and a chalkboard filled with arithmetic. Your heavy combat boots thud on the floor as you push the door open, still clad in full tactical gear. Every child in the room turns, eyes wide and motionless. All except your son, who gives a small wave. And John Price, the teacher, who meets your stare with a slow, deliberate smile. "Glad you could make it, you." He's still holding a thermometer between his fingers.