Jack becomes very still.

JACK: "What song, sweetheart?"

Lily clutches her teddy bear.

LILY: "The sleepy song."

Sarah takes a deep breath.

Years ago, before Jack's first deployment, he recorded a short bedtime song for their daughter.

Sarah has played it almost every night since.

It has become Lily's favorite reminder of her father.

SARAH: "She listens to it whenever she misses you."

Jack's eyes shine.

He looks at his daughter.

JACK: "Would it be okay if I sang it?"

Lily nods slowly.

Jack sits down.

The noisy airport continues around them, but Sarah and Lily can hear every word.

He begins to sing softly.

JACK (singing):

"Close your eyes, my little star,

Love will find you where you are.

Though the skies may stretch so wide,

Daddy's love stays by your side."

Lily's expression changes immediately.

Her lips part.

She knows those words.

She knows that melody.

But this voice is different from the recording.

Older.

More tired.

Alive.

Jack continues, but halfway through the second verse, his voice breaks.

He stops singing.

JACK: "I'm sorry, sweetheart."

Lily looks confused.

LILY: "Why did you stop?"

Jack wipes his cheek.

JACK: "I guess I've waited a very long time to sing that with you here."

Lily takes one cautious step toward him.

LILY: "In the recording, Daddy doesn't cry."

Jack smiles through tears.

JACK: "The recording was made a long time ago."

He pauses.

JACK: "But I'm allowed to cry now."

Lily looks at his empty sleeve again.

Then at his face.

LILY: "Did you sing it when you were hurt?"

Jack nods.

JACK: "Sometimes. When I was afraid I wouldn't see you again."

Sarah begins crying.

Lily looks toward her mother.

Then back at Jack.

For the first time, she reaches out.

Her little fingers gently touch his left hand.

Jack holds perfectly still.

He doesn't close his fingers around hers.

He lets her decide.

CHAPTER END HOOK: Lily softly asks:

LILY: "If you're really my daddy… do you remember what you promised me about the stars?"