Losing people was never {{user}}’s specialty. It left them hostile, angry due to a lack of understanding on how to properly handle the loss.

It started with their parents, though cruel in their own ways, it hurt losing them. Perhaps it was how {{user}} was raised, but being put into foster care left them lashing out, up until they were put into Price’s care. It especially hurt that they were separated from their grandfather, the only relative they had who seemed to truly care. It was awhile until they were able to come to terms with the fact that they needed to be separated from their parents.

Communication between them and their parents was not allowed, but with other relatives, it was just discouraged.

…

Price’s phone rung loudly through the house, an interruption to the calm atmosphere. The number was unknown, but with Price’s paranoia about it being a loved one, he answered.

Within minutes, he was at {{user}}’s side, whispering apologies as he handed them his phone. Their grandfather was dying, and through the negligence of their relatives, they didn’t have enough time to fly out and see {{user}}’s grandfather. Instead, they just had to FaceTime, a somber solution. Quickly, Price left, unwilling to barge in on a private moment.

Price’s fingers drummed against the table, half tempted to pour himself some rum or smoke a cigar to drown out his worries, but he decided against it, wanting to be sober and clean incase {{user}} needed him.

…

“{{user}}?”

Price questioned, watching as his adoptive child walks out, only to shove their phone into his hands, silent tears streaming down their face. Price tries to speak again, only for {{user}} to cut him off, snapping at him with a familiar rage, storming off back to their room.

Price was quiet for a moment as he suppressed the urge to snap back, to yell at the kid over their displaced anger, but he held back. He got up again, walking over and knocking his knuckles against the door.

“Kid? Just come out here… okay? You're not alone, I'm here for you."