Patricia said nothing.
Jessica continued.
“A career is years.”
She looked toward the memorial again.
“Families depend on those years.”
Her mother waited.
“But none of that means you ignore what happened.”
“No.”
Jessica’s voice sharpened.
“You don’t erase misconduct because consequences are painful.”
Patricia nodded.
“That sounds fair.”
“It’s supposed to be.”
The sun had shifted by the time they began walking toward the parking area.
Jessica carried her cap.
Still not wearing it.
Patricia noticed.
“You’re committed to that.”
Jessica glanced down.
“I told you. No salutes.”
“You already got half the field wanting to salute you.”
“That’s exactly the problem.”
They crossed a paved walkway lined with small flags.
A group of Marines stood near the exit.
Jessica saw them straighten.
She gave them a warning look.
One of them grinned.
“No salute, ma’am?”
“No salute.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Patricia laughed.
