Arthur sat in the front row with Leo. The boy held a drawing in his hands—a gift for Victor. It showed a man in a uniform pulling a child out of the water, with a big “Thank You” written in crayon.
When Victor’s name was called, he walked onto the stage. He looked uncomfortable in his suit, shifting from foot to foot as they pinned the medal to his chest. When they asked him to speak, he looked out at the crowd and shook his head.
— I’m no hero, — he said softly. — I just did what anyone would do.
He caught Leo’s eye in the front row and gave a small, knowing smile.
— The real heroes are the ones who don’t give up. The ones who go through the dark and find a way to keep living.
After the ceremony, Victor walked over to Arthur and Leo.
— This is for you, — Leo said, handing him the drawing.
The guard took it, looking at it for a long time before nodding.
— This means more to me than the medal, kid, — he said seriously.
Leo beamed. Arthur looked at Victor with profound gratitude.
— Thank you, — Arthur said. — For everything.
Victor just nodded.
— Take care of him, — he said. — He’s tougher than he looks.
Arthur looked down at his son…
