I turned and walked toward the stairs.

My knees felt weak, but I forced myself to keep my back straight.

I walked into the nursery where Emma was sleeping peacefully in her crib.

Her tiny chest rose and fell.

I pulled a duffel bag from the closet and began packing her clothes.

I packed her small socks, her cotton pajamas, and her favorite stuffed bear.

Below me, I could hear the muffled sound of Patricia arguing with General Hayes.

Her voice was shrill, rising through the floorboards.

I packed my own uniforms, folding them carefully despite my shaking hands.

I felt a strange sense of clarity amidst the chaos.

I was a Captain in the United States Army.

I had survived difficult training and overseas deployments.

I would survive this.

I zipped the duffel bag and picked up Emma, cradling her gently against my shoulder.

She stirred but did not wake, her warm breath tickling my neck.

I carried her down the stairs, holding the heavy bag in my other hand.

General Hayes was waiting at the bottom of the steps.