Six marines escorted the casket against an icy wind. Edward choked when the guards of honor presented the flag to his father: “Lieutenant Thomas…grateful nation… faithful service...”
Mourners placed flowers on the mahogany lid; Edward his bronze star. His heart heavy, he prayed for someone to help him through this grief.
A gnarled hand squeezed his shoulder. “I’m sorry,” his father said. “For everything.”
To his surprise, Edward felt kindness in this hand. Maybe his pray had been answered.