The aftermath was a whirlwind of legal proceedings. Evelyn’s high-priced lawyers tried to plead temporary insanity, claiming the stress of having a son deployed caused a psychotic break. The judge didn’t buy it. The forged documents proved premeditation.

She had planned this down to the exact day, hoping to break me before Jack got home.
She was sentenced to significant prison time for aggravated assault and federal forgery. We immediately filed permanent restraining orders.

Our daughter was born a month later. Jack was right by my side holding my hand, completely healthy and very much alive. We sold the house near the base and moved out of state, far away from any memories of that day.
I still don’t like using clothes irons. We switched to a steamer. But every time I look at my husband holding our beautiful little girl, I am reminded of the exact moment the back door flew open. He was my literal savior that day, stepping out of the dust to pull us from the fire.