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Bear stood, towering over everyone. “You want to know what’s dangerous?” he said, his deep voice filling the room. “Judging a man by how he looks instead of who he is. Calling the cops on a veteran because he’s having lunch with his best friend’s kid. That’s what’s dangerous.”
He pointed to the patches on his vest. “This one’s a Purple Heart. This one, a Bronze Star. This—her dad’s unit. And this little pink one?” He touched it gently. “That’s from Lily. Says ‘Best Uncle.’ That one’s worth the most.”
“You did,” Bear interrupted, his tone firm but controlled. “And now everyone here knows things that should’ve stayed private—things a little girl shouldn’t have to hear.”
Lily pressed her face against his side. “They’re scared of you?” she asked softly.
He smiled sadly. “They just don’t understand yet, sweetheart.”
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