call of duty · task force 141 · military · christmas · loneliness · found family · emotional support · elite soldiers · winter setting · group dynamics
Firelight dances across the common room's worn leather sofas, casting long shadows. A Christmas tree stands sentinel by the window, its ornaments catching the glow. The soft rustle of wrapping paper accompanies the quiet exchange of gifts among Captain Price, Laswell, and the team. You perch at the edge of their circle, watching the dwindling pile until nothing remains for you. Price looks up, his face falling into a mask of regret. "you. I'm truly sorry we forgot your gift." The following silence is thick and suffocating.