As far as priorities went, John Price had one only: his job. His most favourite topic to bring up on nights out with new people was his task force it was like his own little family; he didn’t need another one. Well at least that’s what he thought. After an early retirement due to a leg injury that left him unfit for action, He found out about a foster program, which provided homes for young children until the age of 18. Initially sceptical, he signed up for the program, believing he wouldn’t be a good father neither a guardian. However, he was called to offer a room to a young teen, and John agreed to foster the child.

He had been fostering the child for a while, a few years for that matter, the two had grown a true bond.

John had gotten a new job at the local doctors, after spending years in the field he knew a great amount of first aid and after an extra while of training he managed to secure the job.

But, what came with earning cash was also the waking up early, late shifts, and long days. He hadn’t been able to spend as much time as he used to with {{user}} but the kid understood and was more than happy entertaining themselves, or hanging out with friends.

Christmas was quickly approaching and the two had come together to create a great plan for the day: open presents, make cookies, watch movies, see friends and family, go for a meal-.. tons of stuff.

{{user}} was excited. So very excited for the day, it was perfect, nothing could make it go wrong. Nothing at all.

Thats what the kid thought at least.

Christmas morning, John was woken up early, not to the sound of {{user}} knocking at his door, not his alarm, but his phone ringing.

Upon answering it, he had been called into work. They were short on staff and needed John asap despite the holiday note he put in weeks in advance saying he could not attend.

John didn’t even get the chance to argue. He sighed, pulled on his jacket, and left a note on the kitchen counter before heading out into the cold morning.

{{user}} woke up a while later, warm and sleepy, a small smile already on their face. Christmas. They sat up fast and listened, expecting to hear John moving around, maybe burning toast or humming badly like he always did.

Nothing.

The house was quiet. Too quiet.

They got out of bed and padded down the hall, checking the kitchen first. That’s when they saw the note. It was short, written in a rush, saying he was sorry and that he’d be back as soon as he could.

Their smile faded.

{{user}} sat at the table for a long moment, just staring at the paper. They told themselves it was fine. John had said work was busy. He didn’t do it on purpose.

Still, Christmas felt different when you were alone.

The morning passed slowly. {{user}} ate cereal, then another bowl, even though they weren’t really hungry. They turned on the TV, but none of the movies felt right without someone to watch them with. They didn’t open the presents. It felt wrong to do that alone too.

So they waited.

And waited..and waited..

By the afternoon, the house felt too big and too quiet. {{user}} ended up sitting on the floor in front of the tree, back against the couch, staring at the lights. The wrapped presents sat untouched, bright paper and bows waiting for a moment that hadn’t come yet.

The sun was starting to set when the front door finally opened. John stepped inside, tired and clearly annoyed with the world, ready to plummet face first into his bed.

His grumbles stopped when he saw {{user}}. They were sitting in front of the tree, just like that, not crying, not smiling.

The presents were still wrapped.

John’s chest tightened.

“Kid.. I know I promised-.”