The Second Knock
Chapter 18 - The Second Knock
The second knock came almost a year after the first.
Anna was making coffee in a new mug when someone tapped softly at the front door. Her body froze, old fear waking faster than reason. Noah, now six and a half, looked up from the living room.
“Mom?”
“I’m okay,” she said, though she was not yet.
She opened the door.
Major Miller stood on the porch in civilian clothes, holding a small wooden box.
No uniform.
No honor guards.
No flag.
Just Miller, looking nervous.
“I should have called,” he said.
Anna exhaled. “You nearly killed me.”
He winced. “Fair.”
Noah ran to the door. “Did you bring donuts?”
Miller looked offended. “I brought history.”
“No donuts?”
“Also donuts in the car.”
Noah approved.
The wooden box contained Daniel’s service watch, repaired. It had been damaged overseas and sent through channels so slow Anna forgot it existed. Miller had tracked it down after Lucas mentioned it.
Anna held the watch carefully.
It ticked.
The sound filled the hallway.
Small. Steady. Impossible.
Noah leaned close. “Daddy’s time works?”
Anna closed her eyes.
“Yes,” she whispered.
They placed the watch beside the folded flag and Private Rocket.
Not because objects replace people.
Because sometimes love needs things it can touch while learning to survive what it cannot.
May you like
Miller stayed for coffee.
This time, no mug broke.
