CHAPTER 2 — "WHO... IS THIS MAN?"
The man who saluted wasn't security.
He wore the insignia of a decorated military officer.
Behind him came city officials.
Police officers.
Then another black vehicle arrived.
An elderly four-star general stepped out.
Despite the pouring rain...
He walked straight toward the veteran.
Then...
To everyone's shock...
The general embraced him.
"Jack..."
"I finally found you."
The veteran smiled weakly.
"It's been a long time."
The general's voice shook.
"You disappeared after the hospital."
"I've searched for you for fifteen years."
The boys stared in disbelief.
One whispered...
"...hospital?"
The general turned toward the growing crowd.
"You people are looking at the man who saved thirty-two soldiers during the Ridge Valley ambush."
Everyone froze.
"He carried wounded men through enemy fire."
"When ammunition ran out..."
"He used his own body as a shield."
The street became completely silent.
The general continued.
"The explosion that destroyed his leg..."
"...was meant for me."
A gasp spread through the crowd.
"He pushed me away."
"He lost his leg."
"I kept my life."
The veteran lowered his eyes.
"It was my duty."
The general shook his head.
"No..."
"You gave my children a father."
The officer standing nearby wiped away tears.
Then another soldier stepped forward.
He was missing two fingers.
"I still remember waking up on your back."
"You carried me three miles."
"I owe my life to you."
Another survivor appeared.
Then another.
Within minutes...
Veterans from across the city surrounded the old man.
One by one...
They saluted.
Traffic stopped.
Pedestrians stood motionless.
Drivers stepped out of their cars.
Even strangers removed their hats.
Only the three boys remained frozen.
One quietly deleted the video from his phone.
His hands wouldn't stop shaking.
But the biggest surprise had not arrived yet.
May you like
Because someone else had been watching everything...
From across the street.
