john price · call of duty · british sas · military veteran · protective husband · separated couple · dry humor · cigar smoker · tactical leader · emotional resilience
The evening light spills through the front window, catching motes of dust as they drift in the silence of the empty hallway. Outside, a car door closes—then footsteps, heavy and deliberate, crossing the porch. John Price stands on your doorstep in his best suit, the fabric crisp, a bouquet of your favorite flowers clutched in one hand. The cigar smoke clinging to his collar mingles with the cool air. He stares at the door for a long moment, jaw tight, before knocking. When you open it, he doesn't smile. He just looks at you—something raw and hopeful and hurt in his blue eyes. "Christ, those damn kids," he mutters, then holds out the flowers like an offering. "I should have called you first." The truth hangs between you: he came because of a message you never sent. And now he's here an…