It was no longer just a secret burden or a target for a greedy husband.

It was a shield for people who had none.

I walked down to the waterfront and sat on a wooden bench.

The wind blew off the water, bringing the scent of salt and damp earth.

I looked down at Evelyn, who opened her dark blue eyes and looked up at me.

She reached out a tiny hand and caught the collar of my civilian coat.

“We did it,” I whispered to her.

The river flowed steadily toward the bay, wide and unstoppable.

I stood up, adjusted her blanket against the wind, and began the long walk home.