salute between us

I entered ROTC expecting nothing more than early mornings, strict officers, and endless drills. Love was the last thing on my mind especially when the very first rule I learned was simple:

No relationships between cadets and officers.

hen I met him. C/LTC Saint Daniel M. Brawner was everything an officer should be. Disciplined, respected, and impossibly intimidating. With his commanding voice and unwavering authority, he was the kind of person no one dared to challenge. Yet somehow, in a room full of freshmen, our eyes met at the exact moment he warned us against crossing the line.

A coincidence, I told myself.

But as the days turned into weeks, stolen glances became lingering gazes, and admiration slowly grew into something far more dangerous. In a world where rules are meant to be followed and emotions are expected to be kept in line, I found myself fighting a battle I never trained for.

Because sometimes, the hardest command to obey is the one your heart refuses to follow.

STARTED: June 13, 2026