The veteran swallowed, his jaw moving as though he were holding back words. He looked down at his own hands as if they carried memories just as untold. Elise felt a brief urge to ask him about his life and family, but she held it back.
“I wonder,” Elise said, almost to herself, “If she can look down from above and see us now. I wish she could see what a wonderful family she helped raise.” The veteran nodded and let out a slow, controlled breath, his gaze fixed on the pendant again. Elise felt again that he wanted to ask something more, but was holding back.