« What happened on November 4th? »
Before he could speak, the captain’s radio crackled again.
This time, the voice on the other end of the line seemed urgent.
« General, the command aircraft has landed. »
Harris looked towards the window.
I followed his gaze.
Behind the row of armored vehicles, a large military helicopter could be seen descending into an open field behind the property.
Snow and dead leaves swirled violently beneath the rotors.
My mother covered her mouth.
Harper remained motionless near Julian.
My father looked older than he had an hour earlier.
The helicopter landed.
The side door opened.
Two soldiers jumped out.
Then a third figure appeared.
She was not wearing a formal uniform.
No medals.
Just a combat outfit and a closed dark jacket.
She walked slowly across the frozen grass.
My heart started beating fast.
Something about his attitude.
The angle of his shoulders.
The way she stopped before starting again.
Impossible.
My hand tightened on David’s letter.
Harris turned towards me.
For the first time that morning, the general seemed nervous.
« Colonel Bennett, » he said softly, « there remains a part of your husband’s last order that you must understand. »
The figure outside headed towards the house.
And from twenty meters away, through the frost and swirling leaves, I saw her raise her head.
Suddenly, my wedding ring felt incredibly heavy.
Because the person approaching walked exactly like David.
