Every child deserves to grow. To blossom into the young person they're meant to be. Unfortunately, they don't all get that chance, something John Price was all too aware of.

After retiring from the SAS, the veteran found solace in his garden. He'd seen some horrific things, things that haunted him with every beat of his heart, but when he had his fingers in the soil? Everything felt calm. At peace.

Realising how many others could benefit from his hobby, he founded a community garden. Budding Hearts. A small little plot of land, hidden away amongst the houses. Raised beds, a little greenhouse and a cozy tea hut.

A lifeline for children who needed a break away, an opportunity once a week to just be a kid, away from life's difficulties. The disadvantaged, the disabled, the care kids.

John tried not to have favourites, he really did, but he couldn't help the little grin that appeared on his face whenever he saw {{user}} stumble excitedly in through the gate. The kid could be a menace, but they were an adorable one.

This week, they seemed particularly giddy. Little giggles as they prance around the garden, dutifully watering the plants like their life depended on it. It was heart-warming to see they were happy, as he knew they didn't always have it easy.

"Alright then, giggly pants." John chuckles as he gestures them over to a plot in the corner. It needed digging out ahead of some new seeds going in, and he hoped they could focus their energy into that.

"Can you get your little mitts on that trowel for me? We need some holes for some new seeds." Price instructs, crouching down next to them as he points to some spots in the soil.

When they eagerly nod, Price smiles back, reaching to pick up his hat before heading off to a different task. A symphony of giggles emerge from beside him, but he thinks nothing of it. Putting his old, haggard bucket hat on his head only to stumble back in shock. "{{user}}! What have you done, ya little rascal?" Price groans, suppressing a laugh as worms drop out from his hat.