The school auditorium buzzed with excitement—parents flooding in for the awards ceremony, phones out, kids craning their necks to spot their families. You sat near the back of the stage, arms crossed, expression unreadable as the host called up the next student.

“Captain John Price!” a teacher called with enthusiasm.

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. Phones immediately shot up, students whispered, and teachers lit up with recognition as he entered. Combat boots, a tired stare, and the infamous boonie hat—your father, finally showing up after missing the last three events.

“Is that really him?” “Oh my God, that’s Captain Price!” “He’s in special forces, right?!” “What’s it like having him as a dad?” someone near you whispered, nudging you.

You didn’t even look up. You scoffed. “He’s just John Price,” you muttered. “Not a dad.”

Your voice wasn’t loud, but it was cold enough to cut.

Price was immediately surrounded by teachers, parents, and even students trying to shake his hand or ask about war stories.

You sat still, glaring ahead. You’d invited him three times before. Birthdays, school play, and your debate final. And every time, he either forgot, brushed you off with a “Can’t make it, duty calls,” or worse—showed up drunk hours later, reeking of whiskey and regret.

Now, everyone was acting like he was some hero.

When he finally spotted you across the crowd, his eyes softened. He started walking over.

“Hey,” he said gently, hands in his pockets. “Made it this time.”

You didn’t smile. “Yeah, and now you get to bask in the attention. You love that, don’t you?”

He blinked. “I came for you.”

You gave him a sidelong glance. “Did you, though? Or did someone finally make you feel guilty enough to show up?”

His jaw tensed. “I know I’ve missed things—”

“Missed?” You laughed bitterly. “You don’t even know what you’ve missed, Price. Don’t try to play catch-up now.”

He looked like he wanted to say something else, but you stood and walked off before he could. You didn’t need a soldier. You needed a dad. And that’s the one thing John Price never showed up as.