You are a beta reader have a look at this story: June 18th, 1994, was a day that felt like a gentle caress on the skin. The air was cool and comfortable, with no suffocating heat to weigh down on the world. The sun shone brightly from behind the trees, illuminating the foliage and creating patches of sunlight that danced across the ground. The leaves swayed gently in the mild breeze, rustling softly like a lullaby. As Jon Beckman Halcoc, a First Lieutenant in The United States Air Force (U.S.A.F.), looked out the window of his home, he could hear the characteristic sound of helicopters hovering overhead. They were there for news and police coverage, a reminder of the world beyond his peaceful street. The Doppler Effect produced by distant traffic was also noticeable, a constant hum in the background. In the yards on his street, dogs played and slept, their barks and snores adding to the symphony of sounds. Every so often, a cat would be seen sleeping on a wall, basking in the warmth of the sun. Jon lightly tapped on the wooden window frame, taking in the beauty of the day before proceeding to climb upstairs. He strolled with a cane, a reminder of the mishap that occurred during his deployment abroad. As he reached the top of the stairs, he discovered Emily unzipping a suitcase on their bed. The scent of freshly laundered clothes filled the room, and Jon could feel the softness of the sheets under his fingertips. He took a deep breath, savoring the moment before breaking the news to Emily that they would be flying to Los Angeles the following day. Jon didn't want to go, but it was time to resolve a family dispute that had been going on since 1986. It was time to put things to rest, and he knew that he couldn't avoid it any longer. With a heavy heart, he watched as Emily continued to pack, the sound of the zipper closing on the suitcase echoing in his mind. As the day drew to a close, Jon couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy. He knew that the next few days would be difficult, but he also knew that it was necessary. He closed his eyes, taking in the sounds and smells of the day, committing them to memory before the journey ahead.
 ‘Hello,’ Jon said quietly.
Emily turned, smiled in response.
'Sorry we have to do this and for dragging you into this in the first place,' Jon said, propping his head on the door frame.
Are you sure we have to go there, Jon?' Emily tried being her most reassuring self.
'I genuinely appreciate it! That means a lot to me.' Even so, yes, we do need to leave.
'If I could find a different way, I'd take it, but there isn't one that works.' Jon sighed and looked down, despondent.
'Okay, it's settled. We're going to your parents' house. Your sister Anna is coming, right?
'She would, but the way things are between her and Mom, I don’t want another repeat of that.'
‘Not an enjoyable occasion. That's right, I recall it now! Anna really let loose on that long diatribe. About your mom, Cristina, not showing her proper respect and how she was beyond frustrated.’
'Look, we're booked through on the Red Eye tomorrow at 22:00 p.m.'
 ‘We'll go to get this sorted out,’ ‘Then I won't have to see them for a while, anyway!’
Emily smiled at Jon, relieved a family dispute, begun eight years ago with a disagreement. Might soon end.
June 7th was when it all started. Jon’s father, Jake Halcoc, had served in NAM flying F4s; he retired as a lieutenant major. His uncle Steve had served in both Korea and NAM and retired as a lieutenant colonel.
'Jon, when do you have to report back to the base?' Jake said,
‘Not like you, already forgetting!’ Friday of next week, so another seven days; don't worry, I'm not going absent without leave (AWOL)... Okay!' Jon said.
'Make sure you don't, because you're in the Air Force, and that means something in this family.' 'Anything less, and well, there goes the country; you might as well quit.'
‘Let the Reds take over the democratic world; damn freeloaders in the service nowadays!’
‘That's not in order; it will never be my intention. Either by deliberate action or by other design, barring accident. To ever do that? I intend being in the service for a long time. Comparing me to the red menace doesn't serve anyone, okay?’ Jon said.
'What in all the heavens is going on in here?’ ‘Now let’s not have any more talk between you about going AWOL. Comparing someone to the Red Menace; it's unpleasant, unpatriotic, and un-American.' Jon's mom, Cristina Edger Halcoc, said.
While looking out of the large bay window of their home. Across-their yard to the Stars and Stripes flag flying in the breeze.
After that, things settled down for a while, and all seemed well.
‘Jon, is Emily over tonight?’ ‘I’ll make certain there’s extra if she is’.
‘She is… But mom, if Anna’s coming, be-sure she doesn’t go off I’m not having Emily endure that!’
'Look, Jon, you know well how Anna gets. She’s twenty-four now. I cannot go around telling her to do this and that; all we can manage is what we can.' ‘There’s nothing else for it.’
Jon looked down and pondered what to do. His sister had a history of violence. Was unstable; she wouldn’t take medication if offered or ordered to do so.
15:30 P.M. :(1986)
The afternoon was hazy, and the mercury hovered at 85 degrees. Thin clouds covered the sun. Other neighbours had their sprinklers on that made a sputtering hiss.
The scent of freshly mowed grass filled the air. High above, a 737 moved and the sound of far-off traffic heard.
At that moment, the buzzer on the front door went off. ‘I’ll get it!’ Jon Said.
Anna, Jon's sister, was at the entrance. Appreciating the stratified ensemble that girls in the punk subculture. Sported along with their dyed blonde Mohawks. The back and sides trimmed into a shaven undercut style. while the front features long bangs flowing down one side.
Her signature look included. A striking black lipstick and a subtle yet stylish grey-green eyeliner.’
She was wearing tightly fitting leggings that had tears and rips in them. The popular trend of the moment. Was the Doc Martins shoes she sported, featuring eye-catching neon orange laces.
‘Hey Broth, long time, no see. Air Force got you, so you can't call your sister now and then?’ Anna hissed. Her eyes and voice filled with threat.
 ‘That’s uncalled for, Anna.’ You wouldn’t begrudge me a hug, would you?'
Anna gave Jon an ‘ah-ha’ look that was part begrudging love and part distance.
‘If you must, suppose that’s right!’
'Bro, don't start any nonsense.' You feel me? Anna Scoffed.
'I'm sorry, that's not English; it's some abomination,' I say. Remember your education!'
‘Education is important. I do not want to conform to the conservative and traditional mindset. Of individuals within this household. I vehemently refuse to adhere to their ways. If you have a dislike towards it, I suggest you proceed to a location deemed unpleasant. Adding insult to injury, Anna bellowed, 'Let me be true to myself.’
'Jake exclaimed, 'What is happening in this place? This is beyond my comprehension!' Everyone was upset because of the present situation. Jake saw Anna seething with anger. 'Anna, can you please clarify your current actions?'
'Jon asked a straight-forward question; now look at you.'
Anna snarled in response.
Jake left Anna to calm down some.
'Jon, Flight Sargent James is on the phone?'
‘Hello!’
‘I'm sorry to bother you at home, Sir, but I can't locate your report from the 12th.’
'Affirmative, I will have to redo it. Further information has come to my attention recently, making the report incomplete. Not meeting the required standards of either factual accuracy or completeness. I will complete it tonight, and you will receive it in the morning.'
'Sir, could you bring it in tonight?' ‘The base commander needs it as soon as possible.’
‘No, that isn't possible at all. I cannot discuss this over an unsecured line.’ 
‘Nor will I discuss matters relating to national security with you!’
With that, Jon ended the call. 
19:30 P.M.: (1986)
The day moved on; the sun moved across the sky, and the weather was mostly clear. 24.4 degrees on the horizon. Long shadows cast themselves across the sides of the well-kept homes on Jon’s street.
While a cat slumbered atop a wall, individuals arrived at their homes after a long day of work. They are on their way to their destination. Children engaged in play with their peers. While the volume of far-off vehicles increased.
Around the time Emily pulled into the driveway, Anna sat with her foot on the low wall outside her parents' house.
Protecting her eyes from the sun, Emily locked her car and said. 'Hi, I’m Emily. ‘You must be Jon’s sister, Anna.’ A bemused Anna turned to Emily. 'Right, that’s me.' Well, to my family. You’re not, so who I am is none of yours, dig?'
'No, I'm not digging. You need a spade for that! Now look, let’s not argue, ok.'
Anna got off the wall and stood strongly in front of Emily.
'You tryin’ to be funny or what?' ‘The only things falling are your expensive dental plan's teeth. Now leave, or else?’ Anna barked; Emily ran nervously past.
.‘Jon, where are you?’ A terrified Emily said.
‘Are you all right?’
Emily shook her head. Jon saw Anna, who’d returned to the wall and put the two together.
'Please stay right here!'
‘Hey Anna?’‘ Someone called!’
‘Don’t be coy. What have you done this time?’ ‘Why is Emily such a mess?’
'Oh, that was Emily; I mistook her for a fly. 'So I swatted her like one.' 
‘Do you know how to express delectable satisfaction if you understand my meaning?’
Jon was-shocked.
‘Never talk like that about Emily again; got it?’
Anna went to make one of her smart remarks.
'Don’t ok… No way! Not tonight!'
'Bro, I make no guarantees... Who wouldn't want their sister to be a liar now, would you?' 
20:30 P.M.: (1986)
'Who's ready to eat now?' Cooed Cristina
 ‘Dad, monitor Anna; she’s in one of her moods.’
‘Sorry, Jon, I missed that. Something about Anna.’
'Anna is having one of her moods, and she scared Emily; could you monitor her?'
‘Alright, I’ll see what I can do, OK.’ Jake said begrudgingly.
During the meal, Anna sat eating with her feet on the hundred-year-old Italian oak dining table.
Cristina looked at Anna and said. 'Anna, remove your feet from the table!'
Anna continued eating, ignoring her mother. 
With all those around the table shocked by her display, Anna locked her gaze on Emily and said.
'So I'm guessing all the girls in your town of Pretty Wood love you and I mean love you?'
Emily didn't understand Anna's meaning. Jon leaned over and whispered in Emily's ear, was stunned.
‘So that’s what you think, isn't it?’ ‘No, I am not.’ Emily protested.
Anna just smirked and said, ‘did I touch a nerve?' Did the Princess have her glass case shattered?’ ‘But you are what you are; no escaping that. Admit it now.’
'Anna, apologize to Emily,' Cristina said.
'No!' Anna exclaimed, her mouth full of food.
'Don't sit there, Mrs Sixties, and order me what to do. If you won't have that, your house—that is, the one in your mind is collapsing. You have a way to progress, but one day, everything will fall.'
‘You invited me over for something to eat. Here I am consuming it. Specifications were not given on how it was to be eaten.’
‘So one can logically surmise. That having one's feet on this table is-allowed since it wasn’t specified to be otherwise.’
'Anna, have you heard of the implicit fact?' Jon said.
'Are you joking? We assume all things unless we can explicitly define them as specific. Under the initial article of prior knowledge, which is the inherent nature of QED.', 
'What about prima facie?'
'The conditions for the establishment of truth. Under the absolute meta-factual definition of it. Accorded the privilege of being so only if it can prove it is not otherwise.'
Suppose we contemplate a theoretical and incidental case. Charlotte, a woman of 54 years. Has three kids - two of them boys and one girl, whom we shall name Bella. 
Bella, six years old, possesses an impressive intellect, although not that of a prodigy'. She has enough intelligence to manage herself well.
Bella has an upcoming test at school. One of those you take once in a while to identify how you're doing, if you need any help, and so on.
Fast-forward a few weeks. Bella has studied diligently; her siblings recognize it. Her parents know it. Her teacher is quietly confident. Professional ethics won’t allow her to divulge anything.
The big day arrives; tests distributed with last-minute instructions. There's the usual buzz of excitement and terror. A few kids cry. Things settle down, and the tests begin.
Two hours later, Bella hands in her test, and all seems well. Other students hand in theirs and the school day continues on. Some days later, Bella's parents receive a call from the school.
Saying the principal wants to speak with them about the test Bella took and to come in right away.
They do it the next morning. The principal informs Bella's parents. That there are concerns over her unusually high marks. That the school authorities worried she may have cheated.
The principal asked by her parents how a six-year-old girl could have done so! They-are-informed that Bella’s test was 100 percent correct. That no student should be capable of doing so. Bella’s principal expresses her worries.
Bella’s parents are told by the principal that she’d have to undergo the test again under close supervision. Her parents, mortified, agree.
On the morning of the second test, Bella-is-taken into a room she's never been in before. One wall was-mirrored. Bella didn't realize was this was a one-way mirror with an observation room behind it.
This room had video equipment and other equipment needed. Bella-is-given her test to complete. Two days later. Her parents were once more meeting with the principal, with identical results.
The principal, however, thought Bella was cheating. They would carry an investigation out. While the board of governors had decided she would be-suspended until its conclusion.
Two weeks went by, then a month. When Bella’s parents observed their daughter slipping further behind her peers, they arranged a meeting with the principal... The meeting was extremely intense.
The principal said in a solemn voice that Bella's enrolment had been-ended. She wouldn't-be-allowed back until they found an alternative institution.
The principal said. That the parents could be accountable if they failed to take action based on the allegations? 
They wouldn't be-entitled to any refund for the schooling they'd received until then.
The parents told the principal that they had no intention of supporting this decision.
It was quite clear the board of governors had made the final determination.
The principal and the board refused to budge. But then agreed to consider a compromise. Bella could continue her schooling at another. They found if she was guilty of the accusations that had been levelled at her. She would return to the first one and expelled from it.
The meeting ended at a deal being brokered on both sides of the table. The parents signed a document saying they would take no action till after the school year.
Bella wasn’t sure about the agreement proposed.
She was still worried about how her parents were going to pay for the school. Wondered how she was going to fit in.
Her parents contacted their lawyer. Who said the school was legally obligated to provide Bella with an education and would write to them?
Six weeks later. The school's lawyer contacted Bella's parents' lawyer, explaining the school's position.
Bella’s parents were worried she was missing out on too much education. Arranged home-schooling until they arranged a court date.
Five months later, counsel for both the school and Bella’s parents appeared in the local court.
The school argues it held the belief that Bella had cheated on both tests and that it was upholding its view.
Defending counsel rejected the allegation that Bella cheated. Says she was a bright, knowledgeable girl who knew the correct answers.
The presiding judge. Asked counsel appearing for the school whether Bella had been IQ tested the response was she had not.
The judge ordered a suspension of proceedings. Until two independent psychologists had examined Bella. To assess her intellectual capacity.
Two months later, in September, the judge received the required reports stating Bella had an IQ of 120.
Counsel appearing for the school asked for another test, which was granted. They ordered both parties to appear again in October.
October arrived, and the judge had received the third report, confirmed Bella did indeed have an IQ of 120.
In its ruling. The court said the school had acted disproportionally in dealing with Bella. Cheating-was-presumed as the purely rational condition could explain her test outcomes. When in fact they resulted from meritorious action and accomplishment.
They ordered that Bella’s permanent record be-expunged, of all mention, to cheating. Her school gets schooling befitting someone of Bella’s intellectual capacity and standing.
Finally, the school ordered to pay for damages and costs. To make a public apology for damaging her reputation.'
Jon and everyone else were in shock; they’d never heard Anna talk like this before.
Jon heard a far-off voice. 'Hey,' Emily said, but he could see her across the room; the same voice, this time louder and more insistent: 'Hey, Jon, are you OK?'
Jon was back in the present, and a concerned Emily was beside him.
‘Are you all right?’ ‘You were miles away.’ Emily said. Placing a hand on Jon’s shoulder.
Jon is still not quite with it. 'What exactly is going on?' Emily moved in front of him.
'Look at me, Jon.' 'You ok?' Jon rubs his head. 'You, were-lost in thought or something for about twenty minutes.' Are you sure you don’t want me to call Dr. Harris?
'I think I'll be fine,' Jon said to an anxious Emily, despite his disconcerting expression. Emily, who was only now persuaded, came over and sat beside him.
15:50 P.M. :(1994)
The sky was a dark blue, scattered wispy stratus clouds lay silent. Across the blue background stretched an extended white finger of a contrail.
It was a pleasant afternoon. Distant traffic on the freeway, some distance away, was-heard. People set about their business. A gentle breeze caused more delicate branches on trees to move. There was the usual claimer in the city.
Car horns and emergency vehicle sirens, an angry voice or two. The usual background ambience you'd find in any city.
A red and black caterpillar made its way slowly up the bay window of Jon and Emily's house. Before stopping and resting for a while.
Jon was in the spacious living area of their home, thinking about those years earlier. 'How could that evening have gone like that?' he thought.
‘Hay?’ Emily said as she walked around the corner of the double French doors. Jon looked over his shoulder, saw her, and motioned for her to come over.
'Hey yourself… What are you doing? Emily pretended to be coy and looked down. Shifted a foot back and forth. Emily… ‘What are you doing, young lady? Hurry over here!’
‘I don’t have to... pursue you.’
Emily grinned one of her mischievous, near-devilish grins and shook her head, ‘Uh, ha?’
'I believe someone is up to no good.’ ‘Can they come here for supervision, madam, at once?’
Emily realized she’d been naughty and cuddled next to Jon. 
They settled in and went to sleep for a bit. Jon had to prepare some things for the trip.
The day wore on. Jon sat out on the porch at the front of the house; the usual police and media helicopters were flying around. A cat was sleeping on the low wall of their home.
Jon went back to that evening in LA.
21:00 P.M.: (1986)
As the evening progressed, matters seemed to have calmed down for the time being. 
Though things between Emily and Anna remained icy. 
‘What is it with you two tonight?’ 
‘This is-meant to be an evening together. Yet something is terribly wrong with the both of you.’ Said Cristina.
 Upset by what was happening between Emily and Anna.
Jon could see his sister was ready to explode; he’d not seen her agitated like this in years.
Emily, go up to my room and wait for me to come for you! Jon said.
Emily said nothing but did as Jon said; Anna’s head followed her as she got up and left the room.
‘Bring her back,’ Anna snarled.
'If you calm down and it’s safe to do so, then yes; right now, no!' Jon said.
‘Go get some air, Anna, and calm down a bit?’ Cristina said. Trying to defuse the situation.
Anna’s already thin patience ran out. Locking eyes with her mother, said,
‘What I have to do is nothing—well, nothing I don’t desire, anyway. As for you, will hear no more from you, not now or ever again.’
‘You sit there, all-Mrs 1960s housewife, and tell me to calm the hell down. What I say is no, not anymore. Tell me again, and I will finish you for good.’ ‘Mind the way you speak, Anna.’ Jake said.
‘Say that again, old man, and you'll be next. Which means fist fighting or knives, if you prefer. Now I'm off; don't find me or send anyone looking, or I'll end them!’
Jake was-shocked, and with that, Anna stormed out of the house, got in her car, and sped away.
‘Mom.’ Jon called.
 ‘In the kitchen,’ Cristina said, frantically trying to do the dishes. Trying to do something and not letting herself fall apart.
‘Emily and I will leave in the morning. I’m not sure when we’ll be back, but I know one thing: it won’t be for a while...’
Cristina’s resolve crumbled, her knees buckled, and she dropped slightly. Caught-herself-on the sink-counter. it was the only thing that prevented her from falling completely into the floor.
Jon pulled out a chair and then helped her sit down. He went for a glass and filled it with cold water, then gave it to her.
Cristina placed her elbow on the table. The hard surface pressing against her skin, her forehead resting in her hand. The magnitude of what was happening was too much for her to comprehend, and it shook her beliefs. ‘I think I just need a good night’s sleep,’ she ultimately said. 
He made her a cup of coffee.
Jon frowned, but he looked around the living room to check that no one was around and said, ‘Are you sure?’
‘Yes,’ Cristina said. She took another sip of her coffee. ‘Have you ever heard of residual grief?’
‘I don’t know,’ he said. He wasn’t completely certain if this was a joke or a serious question 
A tear slipped down her cheek, and then another and another. Her hand was shaking so hard it was like it was trying to tear itself from her arm.
Jon put his hand on her shoulder, and it seemed like his touch calmed her down a bit.
‘Tell me what’s happening eh, you can tell me, but somehow you feel unable,’ Jon said. 
She had always had stability within her family, but now her world was crumbling at the speed of an avalanche. 
‘I’m sorry,’ Cristina said.
Jon got hold of his mom’s hands.
'Hey, for what?' asked Jon.
‘For everything,’ Cristina said. Turning away in embarrassment.
Jon was unsure what his mom meant by that.
‘What do you mean by everything?’
'For something that happened long ago... Before you were born.' A distraught Cristina said.
Jon said nothing.
‘Could you try to help me understand so that I can help if I can? That’s all I ask,’ 
‘I’m just afraid if I tell you... it will tear us apart.’ Cristina said frantically.
‘What could be so dreadful?’
‘There are things about me from my past I’ve never told you about, but I think I should.’ Cristina said.
‘Go on,’ 
She smiled through her tears, then leaned forward and kissed Jon on the cheek.
‘A long time before I met your father. I was with a man named Michael, and he loved me.’ 
‘How did the two of you meet?’ Jon asked.
Cristina looked up at him. She couldn’t look at him without thinking of Michael, and it filled even her thoughts with how the story sounded. ‘You should probably leave now. I think I might need some space.’
'He was striking, and had known of me for a while. I was so self-conscious, I could barely look at him. Ultimately, I got up the nerve to look at him. I smiled, and he merely sat there. We made eye contact, but I couldn’t talk.
'I was-shocked and so embarrassed. In my mind, this man had tried asking me out, so I had to do the same. I didn’t fathom what to express. I really did not know how to get out of this. We sat there, looking at each other awkwardly. Ultimately, he said, 'What was that you said about nothing being worth the wait?'
‘Then I knew what to say. ‘Well, I’m sorry to say that your nothing is worth my wait. But I’m not ready to date anyone right now.’
 ‘This was my worst nightmare. I didn’t know what to do. I was-humiliated and felt horrible. I took a cab home and cried the whole way. I didn’t know what to do.’
Should I have told him I was single? What should I have done? I had never had this experience before. I felt embarrassed and humiliated. I wondered what the girls at work were thinking of me. I felt sad. How was I ever going to ask a man out again? I wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.
But then I realised something. I wanted a man who was easy to be with, easy to connect with. I wanted someone who would put up with my insecurities and be emotional. Who could find the words to express himself? I wanted someone who loved me the way I love life.
At that point, she had gone to an all-girls academy. The instructing staff, were all women, apart from my father. I had no involvement with men at all. It accustomed me to performing on stage or delivering speeches in classrooms. My knowledge about science was as limited as my knowledge about writing.
I was confident in the knowledge I had and wouldn't have accepted that things weren't so easily solved. So I was pleased with myself. My classmates and I delighted in highly dynamic social lives. We would paint, play cards, and have diversions. Go dancing, and so on...
There were a few boys in our class. The ones we knew would always stay in the same group and wouldn't mix with us socially. We would do arts and crafts and make little paintings and sculptures. The only problem was that there was no watercolour paint. So there would be no outside painting, but this was the least of our worries. I had received a small art set as a gift from my grandparents, but I didn't have any sense of artistic inclination.
As I recall that moment, I can still feel the warmth of the sun on my skin and the gentle breeze that carried the scent of blooming flowers. 
He stood before me, tall and confident, with piercing blue eyes that seemed to look right through me. 
His voice was deep and soothing, like a melody that I couldn't get enough of. As we talked, I couldn't help but notice the way his hands moved gracefully as he spoke, emphasizing his words with subtle gestures. 
The way he leaned in slightly, as if sharing a secret, made me feel like I was the only person in the world who mattered to him at that moment. 
When he gave me the books, I remember the feel of the smooth covers under my fingertips, the sound of the pages rustling as I turned them, and the smell of the ink and paper. 
As I read, I was transported to different worlds and times, each one more fascinating than the last. 
The words on the page seemed to come alive, and I could almost hear the voices of the philosophers and thinkers he had introduced me to. 

He brought books on Surrealism, Protopopov, Bukharin, Tzvetan Todorov, Agamemnon, Sartre, Derrida, Kierkegaard, Poincare, Nietzsche, and Marx. Looking back, I realize that it wasn't just his knowledge that made him so amazing, but the way he shared it with me. 
He made me feel like I was capable of understanding these complex ideas, and that I had something valuable to contribute to the conversation. It was a feeling that stayed with me long after our conversation ended, and one that I will always cherish.
'To me, he was an inspirational figure, someone of action, someone of spirit, and someone I wanted to emulate. Some of the most forceful speeches I’d ever heard came from his mouth. He was magnificent. That’s how I remember him.
A friend of mine, a French woman, remembers having a conversation with him. While, the three of us sat in a café on a trip through Paris. She recollects him, asking,