The two were halfway through their meal.
An elderly man with a staggered walk entered the restaurant.
Weathered by the vicissitudes of time, his back slightly bent, the proud spirit of his youth no longer evident, yet his eyes remained clear, brimming with heartfelt sincerity.
The elderly gentleman sat down at the table next to Caroline and Blake.
He wore a red hat and an old-fashioned green military uniform, his chest adorned with medals of various sizes, and he carried an old medical kit marked with the words "Defend Our Home and Country."
"..."
The moment he appeared, the sparse customers in the shop cast admiring glances, standing in respectful silence.
This was a hero of the era.
The peace and prosperity they enjoyed today were won by the sacrifices of the martyrs, who fought with their bodies and shed their blood.
With hands callused by time, he held the menu and after looking around, he ordered, "Boss, I'll have a serving of rice and dried tofu."