He left with the folder under his arm and did not look at the duty board again.

I adjusted the brass buckle on my belt and kept my hand on it until the door swung shut.

The housing office at 1000 smelled like toner and floor wax.

The clerk took one sheet from a tray and set it in front of me, then turned it right side up with two fingers.

“Fourteen days, Sergeant.

Quarters rights revoked, contingent on duty status.” She smoothed the corner flat.

“I don’t write them.