john price · call of duty · foster dad · military background · gruff exterior · gentle giant · fatherly · comfort · bedtime routine · toddler care
The hallway light spills a warm amber rectangle across the dark carpet, cutting through the quiet of the house. From the converted toddler room, Price hears the sharp, desperate wail of a child—not the tired fuss of a tantrum, but raw, primal fear. He pushes open the door; the small figure is backed against the wall, pyjamas half-on, face crumpled and wet. The room is soft—a nightlight glowing, a toy box, a bed with a duvet printed with little rockets—but none of it matters. Price sighs, the sound heavy in the stillness. He crouches, his broad frame blocking the light, and holds out a calloused hand. "Come on, kid. It's just a bed." The screams only climb. He lowers his hand. "Okay, okay. No bed." He lets them down onto the floor, then wipes their face with a gentle thumb. "You need…