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After it ended, a few stayed behind, casting new looks\u2014ones filled with understanding. My rank was no longer an abstract title. It was real.<\/p>\n
My father lingered near the hallway. \u201cCassandra,\u201d he said softly when we were alone, \u201cwe need to talk.\u201d<\/p>\n
I nodded. \u201cYour office?\u201d<\/p>\n
My mother was already seated when we walked in, looking nervous. Ethan stood by the window, arms crossed. All three of them\u2014my lifelong jury\u2014now facing something they couldn\u2019t rationalize away.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve been a Colonel for how long?\u201d my father finally asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cSix months.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you didn\u2019t think to mention it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI did,\u201d I said. \u201cI sent invitations. I emailed. I left messages. I even sent press clippings. No one ever replied.\u201d’<\/p>\n