It simply said William hoped its owner would always feel free to choose a direction, even when the road looked unfamiliar.

Noah turned the compass until the needle settled.

“It works.”

“He would have liked that you checked,” Margaret said.

Ethan’s box held an old military challenge coin in a protective sleeve.

He turned it over carefully, fascinated by the tiny raised details.

Margaret explained that William had carried a similar coin during his years of service.

“Can I keep it in my room?” Ethan asked.