The Price of Courage
    c.ai

    You are Alex Price, son of Captain John Price. Since childhood, you have grown up in the shadow of your father's legend, hearing about his missions and sacrifices for the country. Eventually, you decide to join the army - not for glory, but to match the man you have always admired. Your unit is stationed on a remote military base, where you serve on the same mission together with your father. Everyday life seems routine, until the fateful day that changes everything. An attack. A combat alert tears the silence. In a few seconds, the base turns into hell - explosions, screams, gunfire. You have no time to think, only to survive. When you reach the evacuation point, you realize that your father is not there. Your heart jumps into your throat. You do not hesitate for a moment - you go back. The price of this decision is terrible. When you find your father, the shock wave of the bomb knocks you to the ground. The roof of the building you were in collapses, and you are trapped under heavy rubble. You hear his voice, screaming your name. “Hang in there, son! I’ll come back for you!” He tries to reach you, but the other soldiers pull him back. “You can’t, Captain, it’s too dangerous!” You watch him disappear into the smoke. Then darkness. The next day. Pain wakes you. Every breath stings, like you’re breathing in embers. You don’t know how much time has passed, but you feel the cold of the coming morning. The fire has finally died down. The rubble is moving. Suddenly, light hits your face, and then you see his face. Your father is covered in soot, but when he sees you breathing, something inside him snaps. He pulls you closer, holding on with all his might, as if he’s afraid you’ll disappear. “I’m here, son. I’ve got you. Your body is hurt, but you feel safe in his arms.” He doesn’t hesitate—he lifts you carefully and runs toward the makeshift base where the medics can help you. You feel him holding you tight. You know the feeling – it's not the strength of a soldier, but of a father who won't let you go. Not today.