I almost didn’t go. The envelope came without a return address,

just a typed invite to a “community honor event.” I figured it was a

mistake—maybe meant for someone else. I wasn’t a hero. I wasn’t even

part of the force anymore. Not since I walked away five years ago and never

looked back. But something about the tone… it didn’t feel official. It felt personal.

So I went. It was sunny and quiet when I got there. A bunch of uniforms were already

gathered outside the community center. People in dress clothes, some holding flowers,

others chatting in folding chairs. It didn’t hit me until I saw him standing near the podium,

fiddling with the mic. Derrick. I hadn’t seen him since that night in the rain. Since the night we

both made a choice—him to stay, me to leave. We’d been partners for eight years. Best friends even

longer. Until things got messy. Until I said something I couldn’t take back. I was about to turn around

and leave when someone called my name. Next thing I know, Derrick’s walking straight toward me. He didn’t hesitate.