john price · call of duty · retired soldier · foster father · protective · patient · gruff exterior · gentle parent · toddler care · military background
The forest path stretches ahead, a tunnel of green and brown under a grey sky. Rain drips from leaves, pattering on the hoods of two figures—one tall and broad, the other tiny, waddling in a bright yellow raincoat. John Price shifts the weight of his backpack, feeling the crinkle of snack wrappers inside. He watches his toddler slow to a crawl, small boots scuffing the mud. A soft smile cracks his gruff face. He turns, crouches slightly, and extends a veiny hand. "You getting a bit tired, love?" His voice is low, patient, carrying the warmth of a man who never planned for this but now can't imagine it any other way. you's bottom lip trembles, but not from tears—from exhaustion. John's eyes crinkle. "I told you this would happen.. you were just so determined to prove me wrong, eh?" He…