In the Shadows of Yesterday

Chapter 5

Bryson sat on the edge of the bed in his hotel room, his duffel bag tossed haphazardly on the floor beside him. He stared at his phone, lost in thought. The confrontation with his father still weighed on his mind, though it felt more distant now, like a wound that had scabbed over but hadn't quite healed. The quiet hum of the hotel air conditioner was the only sound in the room.

His phone buzzed on the nightstand, jolting him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen and saw it was a call from his CO. He hesitated for a second before answering.

"Bryson here," he said, his voice steady.

"Bryson, it's Captain Ruiz. Just wanted to update you on your upcoming deployment," his CO's voice came through, clear and authoritative. "You're scheduled to head out for Yemen in a few months. This one's big, as you know. We'll need you ready to blend in with the locals, and that means perfecting your Arabic."

Bryson nodded, though his CO couldn't see him. "Understood, sir. I've been keeping up with my language training."

"Good. I've also got some news," Ruiz continued. "You're approved to take those Arabic courses you requested—at the University of Texas, San Antonio."

Bryson blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected that. "Off base, sir?"

"Yeah, we're making an exception this time. You'll need those local nuances for this assignment, and immersion in civilian classes will help. So get enrolled, and use the time wisely. You'll be in town for a little while."

A flicker of excitement sparked in Bryson's chest. He had expected to be stuck on base for training until the deployment, but now he had more time in San Antonio. Time to breathe, to settle in, maybe even to enjoy himself before things got serious again.

"Will do, sir. I'll get on that," Bryson said, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Good. And Bryson," Ruiz added, "don't forget—stay focused. This mission is critical."

"Yes, sir. I won't forget."

The call ended, and Bryson leaned back on the bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment. He had been gearing up for deployment, mentally preparing himself for what lay ahead. Yemen wasn't going to be easy, and he knew that better than anyone. But now, with the courses approved and the chance to stay in town a little longer, he felt a strange sense of relief. He had time—time to prepare, time to enjoy life before everything shifted again.

And then he thought about Ava.

The memory of their conversation at the café made him smile. She had been easy to talk to, and for the first time in a while, he hadn't felt weighed down by the past. She'd given him something else to focus on, something light and uncomplicated. Bryson reached for his phone, his fingers hesitating over the screen for a moment. He knew he would be leaving soon enough, but what harm could come from hanging out with her again? He had time.

Lunch, he thought. I could invite her to lunch.

He opened her contact, his thumb hovering over the call button before he pressed it. The phone rang twice before Ava picked up.

"Hey, Bryson," she said, her voice warm and surprised.

"Hey, Ava. I was wondering—are you free for lunch tomorrow? I had a good time the other day, and I figured, since I'm in town for a bit longer, maybe we could hang out again."

There was a brief pause before she answered, a smile evident in her voice. "Yeah, I think I can manage that. Where do you want to meet?"

"How about that little taco place by the riverwalk? I've heard good things."