He snapped a crisp military salute.
"Please wait here. I'll report to the Commander immediately."
Before long, he returned at a brisk pace, several people following behind him. Their faces were kind, their eyes warm.
The man at the front stepped forward and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Not bad. You've got your grandfather's spirit."
Seeing my confusion, he smiled.
"You don't remember me, but I remember you. When you were little, I used to hold you in my arms. Bought you lollipops."
He gestured to the men behind him.
"These uncles here—they all served under your grandfather."
"I'm your Uncle Duncan Mercer. Come to think of it, it's been a while since I've seen the old man. We were just saying we should pay him a visit."
His smile faltered.
"Come inside. Tell us everything—what happened?"
They surrounded me protectively as we walked.
Someone noticed Charles and, learning he was my husband, invited him to follow.
"No," I said. "He won't be for much longer."
The men exchanged glances but didn't press further.
Charles opened his mouth to speak. His eyes reddened. But when he saw the cold indifference in my gaze, he could only stand there, lost and alone.