I eased the door open and stepped in. The air still held that familiar floral fragrance. The wall on the right was a gallery of framed milestones: Ethan’s graduation, his wedding, his children. No photos of me in uniform. Not even the commissioning portrait I mailed them years ago.

“Dinner’s just about ready,” my mom said without glancing up. “Ethan and Tara are on their way. He just landed another leadership role—can you believe it?”

I nodded, offering a neutral smile. “That’s good news. You should be proud.”

As expected, Ethan and Tara arrived right on schedule. He wore one of those blazers that says, “I’m busy, but approachable.”

“Hey, Cass,” he said with a quick hug, already scanning the room for our father. “Been a while.”