Three months earlier, Sergeant Daniel Hayes had stood in the kitchen wearing those same boots.
Noah was sitting on the floor with a toy truck.
Daniel crouched beside him.
I have to go to work.
Noah immediately reached up.
Daddy stay.
Daniel smiled.
I will be back.
Emily watched from the doorway.
She had heard those words many times.
Military families learned to live around departures.
Daniel kissed Noah’s forehead.
Then he looked at Emily.
It should only be a few weeks.
She nodded.
Be careful.
Daniel smiled.
Always.
Before leaving, he removed a small patch from his bag and handed it to Noah.
For you.
Noah held it proudly.
Daniel walked through the front door.
Noah ran to the window.
Daddy.
Daniel turned outside and waved.
That was the last time Noah saw his father alive.
Weeks later, Emily received the call every military spouse feared.
Now, standing in the rain beside Daniel’s coffin, she could still hear his final promise.
I will be back.
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