The renovation was nearly finished.

Fresh paint brightened the kitchen; the porch was secure; a new ramp followed the side of the house where its gentle slope didn’t intrude on the old stone steps.

My knee appreciated it more than my pride could admit.

I placed my dress uniform in a cedar wardrobe in the upstairs room.

Beside it I stored the folded flag in a protected case, where the fabric would be safe from dust and damp.

Then I went downstairs and opened the windows.