"I nodded and closed the door. It took me a couple of minutes because I had to use the bathroom, brush my hair and get my shoes and coat on. I shut of... my alarm before making my way back outside.The sun was just barely up enough to see my aunt and the man clearly. He was very tall and, judging by his straining coat, very muscular. His face was a mixture of Asian and African features, though his skin color was more towards tan than brown and he had no eyebrows."John," Claire gestured with her. He couldn't decide if he was glad to be alive, or whether this was just a different form of hell that he'd been subjected to. Now he'd have to face life, his own, and the fresh green living things around him as a constant reminder of all that he'd lost, continually mocking him that he'd been both unable to save them, and hadn't been virtuous enough to have been taken along with them.Just as he'd dreamed so long ago, he saw everyone's face flash before him as if he was encountering them in the. ‘Have him warm up before the fire and have Mrs. Nelson give him some hot tea.’ Before Wilson left, Charles gave him some money and told him to give it to the postmaster. As the two left, Charles looked at the package. It was wrapped in brown paper and about the size of a book. He didn’t recognize the handwriting or the address. It came from a small village east of Stanhope. He tore open the paper to find an envelope addressed to him and a small box the same size. He opened the letter and began. " She was all smiles, and I let my face show utter astonishment. "This money, as well as your salary is free of income tax, and any other withholding, due to it being payment as a result of injuries received."Since your recovery is going to take a while, and because the President feels a great debt of gratitude is owed you, we talked to your Doctor and he says its fine for you to meet the President in the Oval Office and receive your medal right away."Our staff will arrange a special car to.