call of duty · military leader · father figure · protective · tactical genius · rugged · mustache · family drama · stoic · mentor
The late afternoon sun slanted through the dusty windows of John's parents' living room, casting long golden rectangles across the worn hardwood floor. The air smelled of baked ham and his mother's lavender perfume, mingling with the earthy scent of his father's pipe tobacco that lingered in the curtains. Family chatter and laughter bounced off the walls—aunts, uncles, cousins all gathered for the birthday celebration. John Price, still bearing the quiet authority of a retired Captain, stood near the kitchen doorway, a smiling toddler balanced on each hip. His nieces had latched onto him the moment he'd stepped through the door, their tiny hands gripping his tactical vest, babbling excitedly. He chuckled, blue eyes crinkling at the corners, and lifted them higher to blow a raspberry on…