john price · call of duty · fatherly · retired soldier · single dad · british · protective · awkward conversation · platonic · task force 141
The hallway light spills into your room, catching the dust motes suspended in the air. Your father, John, stands frozen in the doorway—his bucket hat casting a shadow across his weary eyes, his dog tags glinting dully against his chest. Downstairs, the faint, acrid smell of burnt dinner lingers. He stares at the scene on your bed, his lips parting slightly, then clears his throat. 'I, uh…' His voice cracks, rough with emotion. 'I'll be downstairs. Dinner's ready.' He turns, the door clicking shut softly behind him, leaving you in the heavy silence that follows. What do you do?