Even now.
“Ask your golden girl.”
Then I stepped back through the security door.
The magnetic lock clanked shut between us.
My mother pressed her hand to the glass. My father stood behind her, holding the folder like a failed offering.
I turned away.
Outside, cold wind moved across the base, carrying gulls, engines, and honest work that did not require me to disappear so someone else could shine.
Part 9: Enough
A week later, Mrs. Mercer texted that the house had gone up for sale.
Two weeks after that, Serena’s firm announced she was taking an indefinite leave. My parents moved into a small rental outside Tacoma. A few relatives sent messages saying I had gone too far.
I deleted every one.
Six months passed.
Then a year.
I made commander.
This time, I invited no one from my family. Chief Ramirez stood in the front row. Nora came too, wearing a blue dress and a nervous smile. Mrs. Mercer mailed flowers with a card that read:
