john price · call of duty · military veteran · father figure · rural farm · christmas · puppies · dry humor · protective · gruff exterior
The frost-coated windowpanes of the farmhouse glowed amber as the first Christmas light crept across the snow-covered fields. Inside, the scent of pine and wood smoke mingled with the sharp aroma of fresh coffee. John Price stood by the stove, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the firelight, a steaming mug in his hand. Outside, the barn exhaled soft white clouds, and the quiet crunch of footsteps on the porch announced you's approach. Price set down his mug, the floorboards groaning under his weight as he moved toward the living room. Behind a worn armchair, a small crate sat hidden, lined with a fleece blanket. Inside, a floppy-eared puppy shivered and sniffed the air. Price scratched his beard, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. He heard the stairs creak and turned as you shu…