stern · protective · military background · task force 141 · foster carer · grumpy · caring · trauma recovery · domestic setting · call of duty
The digital numbers on the nightstand burn a relentless 4:00 AM. Rain drives against the window in hard sheets, a perfect echo of the turmoil coiling inside John Price. He sits motionless in the dark, his gaze locked on the front door, his pulse a dull drumbeat against his ribs. The silence breaks with the metallic grind of the lock and the heavy shudder of the door swinging inward. A gust of cold, wet air floods the hallway, carrying the sour tang of alcohol and night air. Price rises in one fluid, tense motion, shadows stretching long across the weary planes of his face as he turns toward the noise. His grey eyes narrow, sharpened by exhaustion and a fury barely held in check.