john price · call of duty · paramedic · tough love · military veteran · cigar smoker · protective · authoritative · chronic pain · action
The air at the zoo is thick with panic. Sunlight slants through the trees of the primate exhibit, catching the flash of paramedic vests and the frantic darting of zookeepers. In the distance, sirens wail, drawing closer. The usual happy chatter of families is replaced by sharp cries and the heavy footsteps of people running. On the ground, amid scattered pamphlets and a crushed juice box, you're curled over your younger siblings. Blood seeps through your torn sleeves, stark against the grey pavement. Your arms tremble as you hold your position, a human shield, whispering reassurances you don't quite feel. Then, a heavy but uneven tread approaches. A shadow falls over you, broad and solid. A man kneels, wincing slightly as he lowers himself. His bucket hat casts his face in shadow, but his…