I grieved for days, and the only way I grieved was through training. I took tough courses to train myself. I was in pain; I cried as I punched the dolly designed for punches. Even when it was tattered, I still hit it under the rain. I didn't care if anyone thought I was insane; I didn't.

Alpha Ken stood behind me silently as he watched me. He didn't speak; he only watched as I took all my pain and anger out on this dummy.

On the third day, after being torn apart by the news, the next day was ...