“I think I meet the happiest person in the world!” I screamed at my mom. Mom looked up from her book and gives me the what-crazy-nonetheless-you-are-going-on-today look again. I am used to this look.

“Do you know Elder Sam from next block?” Without waiting for an answer, I continue “Well I saw some neighborhood kids messing around with Elder Sam’s garden.” I let in pause for the dramatic. Though mom did not like it because she look upset. Gosh, mom loves tea so much. You know maybe that is where I get it from.

“Elder Sam just smiled and the kids back off!” I exclaim. “Is that amazing Mom?”

Mom took a deep breath and wait a couple of moments as if she was gathering her thoughts. Mom put down her book on the tableside. Patting down on the seat next to her for me to sit. “I do not know what is going on, but it must be serious for mom to react this way,” I thought. As I was seated, mom grabbed my hand and hold it tight as she said the next few sentences that change my perspective of life.

“Y/N Elder Sam is muted and have cannot stop smiling. He made a promise to his son to not frown until he come back home from the military. He never came back. He died during combat.”