And I'm pretty sure my heart just dropped to my stomach while reading this. That I am certain. You have a way with words. I can see the agony that came from both characters-Holleran having to deliver the news, and Hank receiving it; shaking with anger because of what Marcus Faber did and the agony that presented itself as the unsettling news sunk in.

Beautiful piece of writing. The vivid descriptions made it easy to imagine the emotions and trauma of breaking such devastating news. Very well handled.

I am speechless. One long exhalation to expel that grave feeling of loss. You are a master of the Word and you have an amazing grasp of human emotion.

I doubt anyone else could have written it just as well.

What an amazing job of describing Norm's awkwardness, stress and grief - I could feel his pain. I think your description of grief, is the best I have ever read
"man who looked like he'd been mauled by a wild beast, as if his heart had been gouged right out of his chest, leaving behind a wide, gaping cavity that could never be filled."

Thanks for writing

Great story about a part of that day which wasn't seen on screen but what we've all thought about. Thank you.

This was such a great look into two usually forgotten characters. Commander Hollaran having to face this day must have been so difficult, so many of his guys in danger and at least the deaths of Donna and Jimmy on his mind on top of the injuries of Greg and countless others. And then, on top of all that stress, you have him here trying to do one of the hardest things his job must demand, informing two people that their spouses wouldn't be coming home. Such great reflection and appropriate emotion from Hollaran.

And Hank...oh Hank. We got to see very little of him but I can really see him being so direct and so emotional and I really think that you got him perfectly here. Thanks for this, I know it was a tough one for you but I'm glad you wrote it because someone had to and there's no one better than you for it.

So sad but yet so beautiful. We didn't get to see the emotional upheaval and fall out that Faber's sadistic actions caused that day but you know there were many moments just like this that happened. Poor Hank, having to face that moment he knew and probably feared could happen one day but had hoped never would. Thanks for sharing this with us.