Chapter 26 - Facing the Past on the Stand
As the commencement speaker called the names of the graduates, Caleb marched across the raised wooden platform with steady, measured strides.
When his name was announced over the loudspeaker:
*"Officer Caleb Daniel Reed — Recipient of the Daniel Reed Memorial Valor Award!"*
The entire grandstand erupted into a thunderous, standing ovation that echoed across the academy grounds for two full minutes. Hostages from the bank, including Arthur and Evelyn Pendelton, cheered at the top of their lungs with tears streaming down their faces.
Caleb saluted the new Chief of Police, accepting his gold badge.
As he walked down the steps, his mother Martha stepped forward, pinning his father's original brass badge—#4412—onto Caleb's chest, right above his heart.
"You don't have to become him, Caleb," Martha whispered lovingly, adjusting his lapels.
May you like
Caleb smiled with deep, unshakable peace. "I know, Mom. But I'm proud to carry his light."
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