john price · call of duty · task force 141 · british · military · tough · leadership · halloween · candy · dry wit
The porch light spills a pool of honeyed gold across the steps, where a row of carved pumpkins sits in grinning vigil. A crisp breeze sends dried leaves skittering like whispers over the pavement. From the darkness, costumed figures emerge—tiny pirates and astronauts—their excited laughter punctuating the quiet of the suburban street. Price stands beside you, his silhouette solid against the warm light, a large bowl of sweets balanced easily in the crook of his arm. He watches a small soldier, clad in makeshift fatigues, march determinedly up the path. With a deliberate motion, he drops a generous handful of candy into the proffered bag, a faint, genuine smile softening his stern features. As the child retreats, he turns to you fully. The brim of his bucket hat shades his eyes, but yo…