The Song He Never Finished
Chapter 19 - The Song He Never Finished
One year after the day beside the limousine, Noah returned to the same downtown sidewalk.
This time, he wasn't there because his mother needed medicine.
He wasn't hungry.
He wasn't afraid.
A small crowd gathered around a temporary stage.
The military family foundation Adrian created was holding its first public fundraiser.
Noah had asked to perform.
Rachel adjusted his collar.
Ethan checked the microphone twice.
Adrian stood in the crowd.
Noah walked onto the stage.
Around his neck hung the skull dog tag.
He began singing the same military ballad Adrian had heard one year earlier.
Halfway through, Noah stopped.
The crowd waited.
He looked toward Ethan.
"Dad?"
Ethan froze.
Noah held out the microphone.
"Mom said you used to sing this."
Ethan shook his head.
"Not anymore."
Noah smiled.
"Maybe you should."
The crowd began applauding.
Ethan reluctantly walked onto the stage.
Then Noah looked toward Adrian.
"You too."
Adrian laughed.
"No chance."
Rachel crossed her arms.
"Go."
Adrian surrendered.
The three stood together.
A boy.
His father.
His uncle.
Three people who should never have found each other.
They finished the song together.
When the final note ended, Ethan looked at Adrian.
"Remember what I said when I bought those dog tags?"
Adrian smiled.
"That I'd have to drag you home when you got stupid."
Ethan laughed.
"Took you long enough."
Adrian put an arm around his brother.
"You're heavier than you used to be."
For once, the past did not hurt.
It simply existed.
May you like
Behind them.
Where it belonged.
