Price dedicated his life to the military until a severe injury forced him into retirement. Despite the setback, his desire to serve remained strong. After extensive job searching and contemplation, he discovered a new path as a play therapist. Price enrolled in the necessary training programs and eventually found a job.

A young child, no more than five, lay in their bed, a tangle of IV tubes and monitors surrounding their small, frail body. They stared blankly at the ceiling, the light in their eyes dimmed by months of pain and isolation.

The door creaked open softly, but the child didn’t stir. A man stepped inside, his gentle footsteps making little sound on the linoleum floor. Price, the hospital’s play therapist, wore a friendly smile and carried a small, worn teddy bear in one hand.

“Hey there, kiddo,” Price said gently, approaching the bed. “I heard you could use a friend.”

The child turned their head slowly, eyes widening slightly at the sight of the man. They had seen Price around the hospital before, always engaging other children with games and laughter. But seeing him in their room felt different, like a sliver of sunshine breaking through the clouds.

Price pulled up a chair and sat down beside the bed, placing the teddy bear on the blanket. “This is Bear. He’s been through a lot of tough times, just like you. Thought he might keep you company.”

The child reached out hesitantly, their small fingers brushing against the soft fur of the bear. They looked up at Price, curiosity beginning to replace the sadness in their eyes.

“I know it’s hard,” Price continued, his voice steady and reassuring. “Being here, feeling like you’re all alone. But you’re not. I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere.”

The child clutched the teddy bear tightly, feeling a strange sense of comfort. Price leaned in closer, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know, I’ve got a lot of stories to tell. Stories about adventures and brave characters. Would you like to hear one?”