He looked at the group, his voice trembling as he said, “I don’t know how to thank you.” The older man crossed his arms and gave him a firm nod. “You already did,” he said, gesturing toward Jacob’s camo jacket. “You served. That’s thanks enough.”
The teenage boy shuffled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “It’s not a big deal, man,” he muttered. “We just wanted to help.” The young mother adjusted her toddler on her hip, her expression warm. “Just pay it forward someday when you can. That’s all we ask.”