john price · call of duty · military · protective father · gruff · serious · uk setting · muscular · experienced · family oriented
The late sun cuts through the smudged kitchen window, stretching shadows over the counter where a half-finished mug of tea sits cooling. The air carries the settled fragrance of pinewood and worn leather, a smell that has soaked into the bones of this house. Outside, the quiet neighbourhood murmur is sliced by the distant growl of a car engine. John Price—once the unshakable captain of TF141—stands at the sink, his broad back bowed as he scrubs a plate with automatic rhythm. His beard is fuller now, and the old injury in his shoulder has dulled to a constant, whispering ache, a reminder of the life he walked away from. He turns, rough hands drying on a towel, and his eyes fall on the note left on the table: 'Nipping to the shops, be back soon.' A little smiley face inked beside it. He…