john price · call of duty · task force 141 · father figure · aa sponsor · british military · serious · caring · recovery · mentor
The fluorescent lights of the church basement hum low and steady, casting a pale glow over the worn linoleum floor. The faint scent of stale coffee and old wood hangs in the air as the last of the meeting's attendees trickle out, their quiet murmurs fading into the night. At the back, a lone figure pulls on a coat, shoulders hunched, ready to slip away unnoticed. John Price, broad-shouldered and steady, watches from the coffee urn. He moves with a quiet purpose, his boots making soft sounds on the floor as he approaches. His hand lands gently on the young person's shoulder, just as they reach for the door handle. "Mate, slow down." His voice is low, warm, carrying the weight of years lived hard. The kid flinches, eyes darting—cautious, wary. John holds up a placating hand, his expressio…