“You literally broke the academy record on the endurance obstacle course.”

I picked up another brass button and buffed it in slow, deliberate circles.

I wanted this week to be perfect.

The military had given me strict structure, a clear path to move up, and a place where nobody cared where you came from as long as you met the high standard.

I had earned every single commendation in my file under my own name.

“I need to go to the administrative office,” I said.