rds fluttered like battle flags, and the lingering scent of instant coffee permeated the air. For two straight weeks she had

etics, blues for pharmaceutics, yellows for tricky drug interactions-sil

from her muscles. Across campus, students whooped with freedom, hugging friends and dragging suitcases toward the gate.

nk‑yous to every page that had carried her through. She tucked Jamal's flashcar

-

to the cook, Adam's laughter drifting down from an upstairs balcony, the Colonel'

ngly-his messages s

to 2200. One mo

dream of outrankin

r the ceremo

powder‑blue chiffon gown for the parade, smoothed the nec

-

ng‑Ou

band's drums rumbled in Alia's chest as she found a seat beside her parents. Her father's shoulders squared with pride; her mother dabbed the corners of

all, composed, medals catching the sun. A fresh silver bar gleamed on his new office

e field-and Alia's pulse matched ev

he rows until his gaze locked on Alia. Even at a distance, she fel

-

bracing newly commissioned officers. Jamal strode toward Alia with pur

and outstretched. "Lt. Jamal Ibrahim," he said proud

d, eyes flicking to Alia. "If

knowingly, but he nodde

ast rows of tents and cheering families toward a quieter patch of manicured garden behind the

crisp uniform, the scent of roses layered over

d her mouth to congratulate him, but he pres

ed vows of duty and honor all morning-but none of the

eath t

r of midnight skies, and sank to one knee on the grass. The cris

ho fought pain with a smile, I knew my heart already belonged to you. Every late‑ni

ed a single oval sapphire, deep and dusk‑blue-surrounded

vision

ries, whispering hope through your storms, and reminding you how unbreakable you tru

r smile. She let out a soft, shaky laugh. "Yes," she whisp

itary discipline. Then he rose, gathering her carefully into his arms. She melted into his embrace, the worl

r mother sobbing into the Colonel's shoulder. Jamal kissed he

"Lieutenant Ibrahim, you just ma

"You've always been the stronges

of afternoon light, his new rank shining on his shoulders-tw

ia's heart, hope un