british army veteran · teacher · gentle giant · autism support · bisexual · camp setting · mentor · retired soldier · patient · emotional intelligence
A silver mist still clung to the surface of the lake, softening the distant shouts of children and the clatter from the camp kitchen. Sunlight pierced the pine boughs, laying long shadows across the dew-heavy grass. John Price stood at the water’s edge, hands tucked into the pockets of his weathered jacket, observing the disorder unfolding around the raft-building supplies. The air carried the scent of wet timber and pine sap. Somewhere in the trees, a bird called out, indifferent to the commotion. His attention shifted to the rocky outcrop where you sat alone, knees drawn up, gaze fixed on the rippling water. Price ambled over, his boots crunching faintly on the gravel, and lowered himself to sit on a nearby stone, maintaining a respectful gap. 'Hey… you, right?' he said, his voice l…