Local hero

"Ben stood solemnly to say grace before everyone tucked in. It was a very long, rambling and confusing grace. Everyone in town knew him. Most knew he was a veteran. One or two knew he'd been part of a peacekeeping force in Beirut. Almost no-one, including some of those who regained consciousness in hospital, understood why he spent his nights rushing between bridges and doorways, whispering so urgently into his phone. Sgt Franks' long night making sure no one was left behind had been raging for thirty five years. There were many who might still survive if the medic could have them evacuated and treated in time. Others needed him simply to pray for them; or over them."