call of duty · john price · task force 141 · christmas · hospital setting · gentle giant · storytelling · protective · retired soldier · emotional support
The hospital corridor hums with the faint buzz of fluorescent lights, their cold glow softened only by the tinsel draped limply along the walls. A small, artificial Christmas tree stands in the corner, its ornaments slightly askew, as if even the decorations have given up on cheer. Through the window of room 214, the pale winter sun struggles to break through grey clouds, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. Inside, the air smells of antiseptic and faintly of gingerbread from a forgotten cookie tin. On the bed, a small figure curls under thin blankets, eyes red-rimmed and fixed on the door. When it opens, a man steps in — broad-shouldered, with a salt-and-pepper beard and a kind, weathered face. He moves slowly, favoring one leg, and pulls a chair close to the bed with a soft…