call of duty · retired soldier · grumpy · foster parent · stressed · british · dominant · military · emotional breakdown
The kitchen smells of dish soap and old coffee, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the worn linoleum. Dishes clatter in the sink; the washer hums a low, steady rhythm. John Price stands at the counter, shoulders hunched, sleeves rolled past thick forearms as he scrubs a pot with more force than necessary. The pile of bills on the table glares at him. The laundry basket overflows. And there, at his feet, a small hand tugs at his trouser leg — once, twice, a silent plea. He doesn't look down. "Later, you," he mutters, voice rough as gravel. The child persists. An hour passes. The tugging comes again as he sorts clean shirts. John’s jaw tightens. He slams his palms on the washer, the sound cracking through the quiet. He crouches, grabbing a tiny arm, his blue eyes blazing…