Page 17 - Self Talk

surely that would have started World War III, which was always coming — any day now.
My father had been gone six months, working on a secret project for the Navy, or so he told us when he left. We never knew exactly what he did because everything was always a secret, until now. It’s hard to keep death a secret.
“No ma'am, we're calling on you with good news,” the officer replied with the same grave look.
“You have been selected to serve as a Civil Defense Leader for the government,” he continued. “This is a very important job and we know from our security files that you can be trusted to discharge this honor and responsibility in the fine tradition of the United States Navy.”