As I stepped fully into the room, the atmosphere shifted perceptibly. The officer inched closer, his hand outstretched, presenting the black case with solemn grace. He opened it to reveal the glinting medal nestled inside—my name etched in bright letters that now seemed to fill the room.
“Colonel,” he addressed, his voice resonating with respect and acknowledgement. “This is for your exemplary courage and service beyond the call of duty.”
The silence in the hall was palpable, a living thing that wrapped around every guest, every clinking glass, and every chandelier. Faces turned towards me, eyes widening with a mixture of surprise and something else—respect, perhaps, or an awakening to a different narrative they had never considered.
