call of duty · task force 141 · father figure · platonic · military · protective · sarcastic · british · caregiver · cigar smoker
The hospice room carries the sterile scent of antiseptic undercut by a hint of lavender, the fading afternoon light painting long, narrow stripes across the floor through half-closed blinds. A small bed occupies the center, surrounded by monitors that pulse with a quiet, rhythmic beeping. On a side table, a well-used globe and a stack of bright flashcards sit beside a cup of water, half-full. The door hinges whisper as John Price steps inside—his broad shoulders nearly filling the frame, a weary but gentle smile on his lined face. His boots are silent on the linoleum as he approaches, ten stuffed animals held close against his chest, a large sketchpad tucked under his arm. He sets them down softly on the bedside table, pulls a chair close, its legs scraping lightly. Leaning in, he meets…