Page 26 of The Soldier's Homecoming

Daniel hesitated, before sighing and tightening his grip on the bike.

“Yeah.”

“Give me a couple of minutes and I’ll be right out.”

Daniel turned, before stopping, the rise then fall of his shoulders signaling there was something left he wanted to say. That he had something else on his mind.

“We had some great times, Penny.”

She nodded, even though he couldn’t see her. His back was still turned.

“The best,” she whispered.

And they were memories she’d never be able to let go of for as long as she lived.

The house wasfull of guests before Penny had had time to catch her breath. Other little kids, friends she hadn’t seen in far too long and Daniel’s family.

“Pen!”

She spun and found herself in the arms of one of her closest friends. “Sammi! It’s been way too long.”

They hugged tight.

“You look great. You know, for being in the desert so long.”

Penny laughed. “Yeah, well, there’s something to be said for being out in the open all day.”

Sammi kept her tight against her, arm wrapped around her shoulders.

“How are you, really?” her friend asked.

Penny dropped her head to rest on Sammi’s shoulder. “Really?” she asked, sighing. “I’m coping, but it’s hard. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Sammi didn’t say anything back, she didn’t need to. They’d been friends long enough to just be.

“We’re here for you. Don’t you ever forget that, okay?”

Penny snuggled closer into her shoulder, then raised her head. “You’re the best.”

“Who’s the best?’

Gabby poked her head between them.

“Hey, birthday girl! Penny grabbed hold of her hands and gave her an impromptu twirl. “You been showing off that shiny new bike?”

Gabby bounced on the spot like only an exuberant child can.

“Yeah. The boys arewayjealous.”

Penny and Sammi both laughed.

“I’m going to go help your dad in the kitchen. Why don’t you go play?”

“Is it almost cake time?”

Penny ruffled her hair then gave her a gentle push away. “Almost. Now go have fun.”

Sammi squeezed her hand before she walked away.

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