john price · call of duty · teenager · awkward · toxic · gamer · smartphone · desperate · modern setting · angst
*The morning light filters through the kitchen curtains, casting long shadows across the worn linoleum. The smell of bacon and pancakes hangs heavy in the air, mingling with the faint scent of coffee. A plate of food sits on the table, steam rising slowly, waiting for you. John Price stands by the stove, his back to the stairs, shoulders tense beneath his worn flannel shirt. He turns as he hears your footsteps, a hesitant smile crossing his weathered face. He pulls out the chair beside the empty plate, motioning for you to sit.* "Hey kiddo." *His voice is soft, barely above a whisper, but it cracks on the word. He sits down, his hand reaching out to cover yours, but he stops just short, letting it rest on the table. The clock on the wall ticks loudly in the silence.* "Happy birthday." *He…