at me.
“Ma’am, I really am sorry.”
This time, there was no excuse attached.
No explanation.
No attempt to make himself look better.
Just an apology.
I folded the letter and placed it carefully back into the envelope.
“Sergeant Reese,” I said.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Do you know why I came here today?”
He shook his head.
“I came because my daughter lives in Nashville. She told me I should get out of the house more often.”
I smiled faintly.
“She said I was becoming too comfortable eating toast over the
kitchen sink.”
Private Martinez laughed softly.
I continued.
“I heard this dining hall served good chili. So I drove forty minutes to have a bowl.”
I looked at the young sergeant.
“I wasn’t looking for recognition. I wasn’t looking for a salute. I wasn’t looking for anyone to call me brave.”
I paused.
“I just wanted lunch.”
Reese nodded.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And when you saw an old woman sitting alone, you decided she was someone you could embarrass.”
He looked down.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“That’s what I want you to remember.
