Ring. Ring.
"Honey! Can you get that?" William calls from in front of the TV. Football. Her breath caught in her throat, Ethan and Jerry loved to watch football together. Ethan, her poor Ethan.
Ring. Ring.
"Honey!"
"I got it Dear!" She picks up the phone, composing herself before she got emotional. "Hello! Shaw residence."
"Mrs. Shaw." The voice on the other line, is tight and official, but strong like Ethan's was. One day at a time, she reminds herself what the psychologist told her.
"This is she. May I ask who's speaking?"
"This is Mr. Smith of the Department of Defense, sector A of the United States Government."
"Well, hello Mr. Smith. Is this about Ethan?" Another honor? Another reminder of how much she missed him?
"No, ma'am." The voice hesitates, clearing his throat a bit. "I'm very sorry about your losses." Isn't everyone? Wait.. plural?
"...Losses?" No, she thinks, no. Not again. Not Jerry. Jerry's safe. Normal citizen. Copying things.
"Yes ma'am. Last night at 9:32 p.m eastern time, Jerry Shaw, your son, gave his life for his country." The phone drops. No. "Ma'am? Ma'am? Are you there?"
"Why?" Muffled sobbing is heard on the other line before it goes dead.