But I wasn’t done yet.

Because what aired next… would hit him harder than anything I ever said to his face.

Caleb later told a mutual acquaintance that he dropped his scotch glass when he heard the anchor say the words “abandoned her.” I imagine the sound of it shattering on the expensive marble floor of his mother’s living room, the amber liquid pooling like his dissolving reputation. Margaret must have been sitting beside him, frozen with disbelief, her perfectly coiffed hair unable to shield her from the ugly truth blaring from the screen.

But he wasn’t prepared for what came next.

The anchor, a woman with compassionate eyes named Diane, continued, her voice swelling with pride:

“And we have a very special announcement. Due to her bravery, dedication, and sacrifice, Lena Carter has been selected as one of the recipients of the State Medal of Civilian Valor.”

The audience erupted again, the applause thundering like a storm.

Caleb’s jaw must have hit the floor.