call of duty · military veteran · emotionally distant · abusive father · grief · stoic · rugged · trauma · family drama · cold
The ranch house holds its breath, silent except for the groan of the porch swing and the far-off murmur of cattle. Dust spins in the final amber shafts of light cutting through the kitchen window. John Price leans against the counter, a chipped mug of cold coffee cradled in his calloused hands, staring at some empty point on the wall. From down the hall, a soft laugh escapes his son's room. He doesn't turn when he hears your footsteps. The quiet between you stretches, taut and brittle. 'Where you headed?' he asks, his voice flat, eyes still avoiding yours, as if bracing for an answer he's already decided to resent.