add silence and puases to this text: On June 18th, 1994, First Lieutenant Jon Beckman Halcoc of the U.S. Air Force looked out of his window and heard the characteristic sound of helicopters hovering overhead. The day was cool and comfortable, with the sun radiating behind the lush foliage, bathing nature in a vibrant glow
As the soft beams filtered through the canopy, they choreographed a mesmerizing dance upon the earth, creating whimsical patches of sunlight that playfully frolicked across the terrain. The leaves swayed gently in the mild breeze, rustling softly like a lullaby. In the kitchen, jazz music played on the radio, providing a backdrop of tranquillity amidst the news and police coverage. The distant traffic’s hum added to the symphony of sounds, harmonizing with the barks and snores of the dogs in the yards on his street. Every so often, he would catch a glimpse of a cat basking in the sun’s warmth, adding to the idyllic scene
Taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the day, Jon lightly tapped on the wooden window frame before proceeding to climb upstairs. As he ascended, leaning on his cane as a constant reminder of the mishap during his deployment abroad, he relished in the softness of the sheets under his fingertips. He found Emily unzipping a suitcase on their bed, surrounded by the scent of freshly laundered clothes. He took a deep breath, savouring the moment before breaking the news to Emily that they would be flying to Los Angeles the following day. With a heavy heart, he watched as Emily continued to pack. The sound of the zipper closing on the suitcase echoed in his mind, signifying a note of finality
 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 understood their necessity. 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. ‘Sorry we have to do this and for dragging you into this in the first place,’ he expressed to Emily, propping his head on the door frame
The concern in Emily’s voice was evident as she asked, ‘Are you sure we have to go there, Jon?’ Her attempt to sound reassuring was tinged with apprehension. Jon paused briefly before replying, ‘I genuinely appreciate it! That means a lot to me. Even so, yes, we do need to leave.’ He sighed, looking down with a despondent expression. ‘Okay, it’s settled. We’re going to your parents’ house,’ Emily said, her voice carrying a trace of uncertainty. ‘Your sister Anna is coming, right?’
The family dispute had been ongoing since 1986, and Jon didn't want to go, but he knew it was time to resolve it. Memories flooded his mind as he remembered that night, wondering if Emily shared the same recollection. A tension pain in the side of his head reminded him of his parents’ constant avoidance of that particular night. ‘Painful as it is, I have to go,’ he admitted to himself. ‘There are things to resolve that cannot be done any other way. I am so near to closure, and yet, what will I do when I find it?’
Jon remembered his father, Jake Halcoc, and Uncle Steve’s military backgrounds, which added a layer of complexity to the situation. Their exchange reminded Jon of his upcoming return to the airbase and the importance of honouring his military commitments. However, his father’s comments about the service and the “Red Menace” only exacerbated Jon’s anxiety. Jon’s mom, Cristina Edger Halcoc, intervened, expressing her distaste for comparing Jon to the “Red Menace.”
As she looked out of the large bay window, towards the Stars and Stripes flag flying in the breeze, she emphasized the importance of patriotic unity.