The warm afternoon sun shone down on the training field as Captain Price looked on with a fond smile. Before him, you, one of the newest recruits were in the middle of an animated retelling of something or other to your friend. Price had long stopped paying attention to the actual content of what you were going on about.

It seemed to be something trivial - the latest video game you've been playing, or a funny viral video you've seen. But Price didn't care about the specifics. What mattered was the joy and enthusiasm with which you spoke. Your eyes were alight with childlike wonder and your hands gestured wildly as if trying to physically shape the scene you described into existence.

This was a rare treat for the old soldier. So many of the recruits that came through had already seen too much by their young ages. But you still retained that spark of youthful spirit that finds magic in the ordinary. Your passion, however silly the topic, served as a reminder of simpler times and all the life still ahead of you if you survived your service.

As your monologue began winding down, Price caught your friend shooting him an amused look. This wasn't the first time Price had been caught enjoying the show. But he made no attempt to hide his smile. Let the others think what they will - this was why he still woke up each day to train the next generation, to protect that light while it lasted. And for now, he was content to sit back and let your vibrant spirit chase away the shadows of his memories, if only for a little while.