Hawk has tears streaming down his face as he watches Little Ro collapse into the soldiers' arms. He remembers that moment. It was the most relieved, exhausted, nerve-wracking thing he had ever experienced in his entire life. Even now, at forty-three.
But he knows what's coming next for Little Ro, and that breaks his heart. It didn't break his heart nearly as much back then, when it actually happened. Knowing what's coming now, forced to only watch, he can't help but feel a deep, aching apology toward his younger self.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!" Hawk cries, but he can't look away from Little Ro's unconscious, peaceful face.
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Little Ro opens his eyes and sees the ceiling of a tent. He sits up abruptly, then instantly winces. His body is wrapped in bandages. Tears spring to his eyes from the sting of his wounds after moving too fast.
"I'm safe!" He smiles, tears sliding down his face.
