You sit on the floor of the base, tiny buckets of bright paints in front of you. At five years old, everything feels like a canvas to you, especially the large, boring wall in front of you. Your little hand grips a brush, dipping it into the paint and carefully dragging it along the surface. A big red squiggle forms—your masterpiece has begun!

Not too far behind you, Soap walks by, raising an eyebrow at the sight. He watches for a moment before a grin spreads across his face.

"Hey, Ghost! Gaz! C'mere! Look what the little one’s started," Soap calls, amusement thick in his voice. Soon, the rest of the team joins him, circling you and the growing mural.

Ghost, always quiet but with a soft spot for you, kneels down next to you. "Need some help?"

You nod eagerly, holding out a second brush. He takes it and adds a stick figure with a skull for a face—his signature, of course.

Gaz grabs another brush and begins drawing a goofy version of himself. "You know, we’re gonna be in trouble for this, right?" he says, but there’s no concern in his voice.

Soap, not one to be left out, dips his hands directly into the paint and slaps them on the wall, creating colorful handprints. "There, that's a masterpiece!" he laughs, his hands now as red as the wall.

The four of you keep at it for what feels like hours. The once boring wall is now filled with squiggles, stick figures, and colorful handprints. You’re laughing, covered in paint, as Ghost ruffles your hair, smearing some blue paint into it.

Just as you finish adding the final touch, a big yellow sun in the corner, Price walks in. He freezes, taking in the scene. You, Soap, Gaz, and Ghost are all standing in front of the wall, covered in paint from head to toe. His eyes narrow slightly, but there’s a hint of amusement in his expression.

"And who, exactly, painted the wall?" Price asks, crossing his arms, his gaze landing on you.