“Hi, Daddy.” After the doctor finished his examination, Mary crept into her parents’ darkened bedroom and sat on the side of the bed. “Can I get you anything?”

Henry Trask stared up at the ceiling without answering.

“How about some water? Or maybe something to eat?”

Again, he didn’t answer. It had been like this for the better part of a week. Gone was the kind, gentle, easy-going father who’d kissed his wife and daughter goodbye on a mid-December day in 1941. The man before her was sullen, withdrawn, and angry.

“Mother will be in a little later to re-dress your wounds.”

He grunted in reply.

“Well, I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”

He acknowledged her with a slight nod.

“I-I love you, Daddy. I’m so glad you’re home.” On an impulse, she bent over to hug him.

“Argh!” He raised his arms reflexively and shrunk away in fear.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Daddy. I just wanted to hug you. I would never hurt you.”

He remained with his arms over his face and she retreated to the living room, where her mother was meeting with the doctor.

“His physical wounds will heal. Within a month or two he should be able to resume his conductor duties.”

“That’s great news,” Mary said.

“And the rest? He’s so…different.”

“Mrs. Trask—Mabel—your husband has seen and done things no man should have to see or do. Those things are ingrained on his mind and in his heart. We can’t erase any of that. All you can do is love him, talk to him, give him time to acclimate to being home again and to heal his body. The rest is up to God.”

“Thank you, doctor.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll be back around next week to check on those wounds. In the meantime, keep them clean and let me know if you see any redness or signs of infection.”

“I’ll see you out.” Mary walked him to the front door. In a low tone she asked, “Do you really think he’ll be able to go back to work so soon?”

“I do. Physically, he had almost a month to heal at the hospital in Italy before they shipped him home. He’ll most likely always carry a limp, but he’ll be able to walk just fine, and the wounds in his stomach and back are almost healed now.”

“I tried to hug him a little while ago and it terrified him.” Mary’s eyes welled with tears. “I just want my daddy back.”

“I know.” He patted her on the shoulder. “Give him time. He’s got a gentle disposition and that wasn’t what he needed in the Army. He’ll rediscover the man he was again.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I hope so too. Take care of your folks, Mary. They’re good people.”

“Yes, sir.”