Chapter 14 - THE PHOTO ON THE WALL
A year later, the veterans hall added a small display about Operation Lantern Tide.
Not Emily alone.
The whole team.
Analysts.
Investigators.
Contracting specialists.
Sailors.
Civilian employees.
Partner agencies.
Most names remained omitted where necessary.
Emily’s photograph appeared near the center.
Blue service uniform.
Commander insignia.
Expression serious enough that Robert joked she looked angry at the photographer.
He attended the small opening.
Gloria did too.
But she behaved differently.
Someone approached and said:
“You must be so proud of your daughter.”
Old Gloria would have smiled immediately.
Taken possession of the achievement.
“My Emily…”
Instead, Gloria looked at Emily first.
Then answered:
“I am.”
A pause.
“And I didn’t make it easy for her.”
Emily heard.
She did not turn.
But she remembered.
Later, Gloria approached carefully.
“I’m trying.”
“I know.”
“Is it enough?”
“Not yet.”
Gloria nodded.
That was progress.
May you like
Old Gloria would have demanded forgiveness as proof of Emily’s goodness.
New Gloria, if she was really becoming one, would have to tolerate not receiving it on schedule.
