call of duty · modern warfare · adoptive father · stern · caring · military veteran · domestic misunderstanding · protective · rugged · task force 141
The fluorescent kitchen light buzzed softly, casting a sickly pallor over the laminate table where a brown paper bag sat, its base already transparent with seeping grease. The smell—an oppressive blend of salt, fried batter, and stale oil—clung to the still air. John Price moved with the economical grace of a career soldier, placing a wrapped burger and a carton of fries before you before settling heavily into the chair opposite. He took a deliberate bite of his own meal, his jaw working as his eyes remained fixed on you, watching for the movement that didn't come. The wall clock measured the passing seconds with a soft *tick, tick, tick*. The quiet grew dense and suffocating. Price wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then leaned forward, his elbows planted firmly on the table.…