Three days later.

At old Mr. Sims' gravesite.

Holly Sims stood by the tombstone, dressed in all black, with a white flower in her hair. Her eyes were swollen from crying, and she seemed emotionally drained. Keira stood silently beside her, offering quiet support.

No one had expected old Mr. Sims' passing to be so imminent. He had been holding on, waiting for Barry Brandt to return. Once that was done, he let go.

Holly's eyes were red from all the tears she had shed. The person she had been most proud of was now gone.

Barry, Brian, Luke, and many other important figures had come to pay their respects, leaving flowers at the grave. The black-and-white photo of old Mr. Sims on the tombstone showed him smiling broadly as if he had no regrets.

Keira looked at Holly. "This is considered a peaceful passing for someone of his age. You don't need to feel so torn up."

"I know," Holly murmured. "But I had no idea Grandpa's health had deteriorated so much. If I had known earlier…"

Her words trailed off as her throat tightened.

Keira spoke softly. "Even if you'd known, you'd still have supported his decision, wouldn't you? After all, the Sims family has always been dedicated to serving the country, willing to sacrifice everything. It's in your family's blood."

Holly paused, then nodded slowly. "I know he never did anything he wasn't proud of," she continued, her voice wavering. "And I know he felt fulfilled making his final sacrifice for Professor Brandt. He left this world in the way he wanted… but…"

down her face again. "But I can't

her sound like a child,

that left Keira feeling

from behind, eating pistachios but carefully spitting out the shells into a small

a way, we're always learning to say goodbye.

full life, and he got what he wanted

returned in two more years, old Mr. Sims wouldn't have made it. He would have passed

still doesn't

her gently on the back. "Take your

saw Luke standing there, offering it to Holly. He looked a bit awkward

without Mr. Sims around, I'll make sure no one in the Special Division messes with you. I'll look

turned her head away. "I don't need you to look out for me! I've got Keira, and that's more

over at Keira and scratched his head. "That's true. Besides, I'm no match for

Keira blinked, feeling speechless.

Erin coughed.

down, still holding back

confused by the sudden silence,

Special Division, so in

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