You knew today was the day. There was no way you could stay away. How could you? He had no one else.

You stand on the sidelines, heart heavy, watching the line of soldiers, each one standing at attention. One by one, family members move forward to tap out their fathers, brothers, sisters, comrades. It’s a routine, a moment of connection after a long, brutal mission. Normally, he’d have Ghost, maybe Gaz, or even Price by his side—but today, they’re off on separate missions, leaving him alone.

You know the truth: Ghost reached out to you, begging you to be here, to do what no one else could. But you’ll never tell him that. You won’t say a word about it.

So, here you are—his ex-wife, six years apart, walking toward the cold faced Sergeant with a mixture of resolve and regret. He doesn’t expect you, doesn’t know anyone’s coming. He stands there, as stoic as ever, forced into that rigid position with his arms behind his back, waiting for the moment someone will tap him out.