Fifteen Years After My Father Changed the Locks, He Seated Me at Table Twenty-Two

He set the glass down, and his gold signet ring tapped the stem.

Richard Hail checked his gold wristwatch at table one, then looked toward the stage.

I kept my hands flat on the tablecloth at table twenty-two.

Clare’s voice grew stronger.

“She commanded rescue operations in three theaters.

She did not settle for low military pay.

She earned every star.”

Someone near the back said, “Evelyn?”