“And some people survived wearing it.”
Jessica looked at her.
Patricia held her gaze.
“You count too.”
Jessica had no answer.
She looked away.
The afternoon grew warmer.
Families drifted toward parking areas.
Some Marines approached Jessica briefly.
Most did not ask about JSOC.
They knew better.
One corporal simply said, “Sorry that happened, ma’am.”
Jessica thanked him.
A retired gunnery sergeant shook his head and muttered, “Captain lost his damn mind.”
Jessica did not respond.
A young lieutenant approached with obvious discomfort.
“Ma’am, may I ask something?”
Jessica sighed.
“Depends.”
“Why didn’t you just put your cap on?”
Jessica looked at him.
He immediately looked embarrassed.
“Sorry, ma’am.”
“No. It’s fair.”
She considered the answer.
“Because I didn’t come here to be Major Dalton.”
The lieutenant nodded.
“I understand.”
Jessica tilted her head.
“Do you?”
He hesitated.
“No, ma’am. Probably not.”
That honesty earned a small smile.
