Chapter 13: Healing Through Purpose
Later that evening, Valerie and Marcus walked along the seawall bordering the Severn River. The water reflected the fading amber sunset.
"I keep waiting to feel normal again, Val," Marcus admitted quietly, staring out at the water. "But I just feel broken."
Valerie stopped and turned to him. She didn't offer empty platitudes. Instead, she shared the story of the gala, her father's rejection, and Admiral Hayes's intervention.
"You don't go back to normal, Marcus. That version of us is gone," Valerie explained firmly. "You take the damage, and you repurpose it."
May you like
She paused, looking back toward the Academy's imposing stone buildings. "My cadets know how to fight, but they don't know trauma medicine from someone who's actually applied a tourniquet under fire. I need a guest instructor for the combat casualty course. I need you."
Marcus looked at her, taken aback. For the first time since he arrived, the heavy fog in his eyes seemed to lift, replaced by a tiny, vital spark of purpose. He didn't need a quiet retirement; he needed a new mission.
