He looked toward the road.
“I’ve seen people do that before.”
“Who?”
“My younger brother.”
I waited.
“He joined the Army after our father died. He thought being strong meant never admitting he was struggling.”
Vega’s voice became quieter.
“He didn’t make it through his first year.”
I understood then.
The anger I had seen in him had not always been about me.
Some of it had been fear.
“You thought I was becoming him.”
“Yes.”
“And you were trying to stop me.”
“Yes.”
I looked down.
“I thought you wanted me gone.”
“I wanted you alive.”
The words hit me harder than I expected.
Neither of us spoke.
Then Vega said, “The lieutenant wants to see you tomorrow.”
“About selection?”
“Yes.”
“What did he say?”
“He said your medical clearance can be reviewed once your doctor releases you.”
I smiled.
“So I can come back?”
“Maybe.”
“Maybe?”
“You still have to earn your place.”
I laughed.
“There you are.”
He smiled.
“There I am.”
The next morning, I reported to the lieutenant’s office.
My medical restrictions were still active, but the physician had cleared me for gradual return to training.
The lieutenant looked through my file.
“Mercer.”
“Yes, sir.”
