Stevie-lou's POV.

I remember the moment they told me I was finally being discharged. Like waking from a long nightmare but still feeling trapped inside it. My legs shook when I tried to stand, and Smith was right there, steady as ever, catching me before I fell.

“You don’t have to be a hero today,” he said softly, brushing my hair back from my face. His eyes were tired, but full of something fierce…like he’d been holding it together for both of us.

“I just want to go home,” I whispered. My voice cracked, thick with everything I’d been holding in.

He nodded and helped me sit up, then carefully...