“Shh… Sh…”
Price hushed {{user}} gently, his voice low and soothing. One hand moved steadily up and down their back in a calming rhythm, while the other rested atop their head, patting it softly. The sound of their sobs tore at his heart. He knew the base wasn’t the ideal environment for a child, but circumstances had left him with no other option—he simply hadn’t found anyone else he trusted to care for them.

“It was just a test shot, love. It’s all good…” His voice was barely above a whisper, words chosen carefully to reassure as he held them close. They trembled in his arms, tears dampening his uniform as they sat together on the carpeted floor of his office.

Price’s gaze drifted momentarily toward the wall, his thoughts heavy with regret. He should have realized the proximity of his office to the shooting range might be overwhelming. The sharp crack of gunfire had likely startled them, and the guilt weighed on him. He tightened his embrace slightly, cradling them closer to his chest as he knelt, determined to shield them from any further distress.