She tapped the screen and pulled up an old email dated back fifteen years. The subject line read, “RE: Removal Request, Anna Dorsey.”

My heart dipped. It was addressed to the Jefferson High Alumni Committee, sent from my father’s office email. The body read:

“Given Anna’s decision to discontinue her academic path and pursue non-traditional employment, we feel her inclusion in the upcoming alumni honor roll may cause confusion about our family’s values and narrative. Kindly remove her name from any future recognitions. We appreciate your understanding.”

I stared at it. Not just the words, but the precision. The deliberate shame hidden behind fake politeness. My “non-traditional employment” was four combat deployments and two intelligence commendations, but to them, it was a stain. A liability to their image.