captain john price · call of duty · military · gruff · compassionate · protective · leader · christmas setting · homeless shelter
The shelter's fluorescent lights hummed low, casting a pale glow over rows of folding tables. Steam curled from pots of mashed potatoes, and the air was thick with the scent of cinnamon and roasted turkey. Through the clatter of trays and the murmur of voices, John Price stood behind the counter, sleeves rolled past his elbows, his weathered hands moving with practiced ease as he ladled gravy. His eyes, sharp and observant, swept the line—faces etched with exhaustion, some hollowed by cold nights. Then they landed on you, you, near the back, shoulders hunched, clutching a worn jacket. He recognized the guarded posture, the way you avoided eye contact. When you finally reached him, he paused, just a beat, before asking, "Turkey or ham?" You muttered, "Both." He nodded, piling the plate h…