The ceremony eventually ended.
The American flag was carefully folded.
A uniformed officer placed it into Emily’s hands.
She held it against her chest.
Noah still refused to leave the boots.
Emily crouched beside him.
We have to go home now.
Noah shook his head.
Daddy shoes stay?
Emily looked toward Marcus.
Then toward the honor guard.
Marcus quietly nodded.
Emily picked up the boots.
Noah immediately reached for them.
Okay.
They come home with us.
The little boy stopped crying for a moment.
Emily carried the flag.
Noah carried one boot with both hands while Marcus carried the other.
They walked slowly toward the car.
Before getting inside, Noah looked back toward the coffin.
Bye, Daddy.
Emily froze.
Those were the clearest words he had spoken all day.
She knelt and hugged him.
Then they drove away.
The boots sat between them on the back seat.
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