Chapter 2 - The Principal Recognizes Liam’s Medal
Principal Warren stepped closer.
The silver medal trembled in Liam’s hand.
“That belonged to Captain Michael Reed.”
Rachel’s face changed.
Liam looked up. “That was my dad.”
Principal Warren nodded slowly. “I know.”
Vanessa went pale.
Charles stared at the medal as if it had suddenly become dangerous.
Aiden lowered his phone.
The crowd around the gate went quiet.
Rachel stood beside Liam, one hand on his shoulder.
Principal Warren looked directly at Vanessa.
“Your son would not be standing here today if Michael Reed had not gone
back for him.”
Liam blinked. “What?”
Rachel closed her eyes.
She had never told him this part.
Years earlier, before Michael died, he had been driving home during a
winter storm when he saw a vehicle slide off a mountain road.
Inside were Charles, Vanessa, and a three-year-old Aiden.
Michael pulled Charles out first.
Then Vanessa.
Then he went back for Aiden.
The car shifted while he was inside.
Michael got the boy out, but he was badly injured.
Liam stared at Aiden.
May you like
Aiden stared back.
And for the first time that afternoon, neither boy knew what to say.
