The Vague Protocol of the Guard
The guard shrugged, a hint of annoyance in his expression, muttering, “Protocol, you know? Unauthorized decorations,” as he gestured toward Grandpa’s jacket—but I wasn’t buying it; it sounded like a flimsy excuse to mask something more serious. How could a decorated Marine have ‘unauthorized decorations’? Jamie and I exchanged bewildered glances, realizing this answer only raised more questions, and we knew we had to dig deeper.
The Vague Protocol Of The Guard
Mom’s Worried Face
Amid the chaos, I spotted Mom, her face reflecting the same worry as she watched the commotion around Grandpa, and I knew she felt it too—this wasn’t right. The ceremony had devolved into a tangle of emotions and confusion, and her concern only amplified my own frustration. Determined, I made my way toward her, ready to confront the situation head-on.
Mom’s Worried Face