Moving as if they were in a dream, they walked inside the funeral home to take their places near the casket to greet friends and relatives.

Hours later, both numb and tired, they took their seats with the others as Father Brenner began the eulogy. At the end he asked if anyone would like to share a memory.

Mindy, Pete’s pregnant wife, walked to the podium and stood there for a long time, seeming to stare through the assemblance of people. Her face was stone as the dim light from the nearby windows brightened momentarily. Her eyes were dry, her tears lost with the falling rain.

“Some days I feel so angry about the war. Pete was the best thing in my life. But then I just think about him and I feel better somehow. He believed in himself and those around him – always seemed to do the right thing. Somewhere in his eyes, I always found the answer – the truth. He was that kind of man, you know? Pete, we’ll always love you,” she said, placing her hand on her stomach and walking back to take her seat by his casket.