They were inseparable throughout high school. After graduation he told her-while rubbing his right ear with his left hand, a mannerism he displayed when apprehensive-that he'd joined the Marines. Before his departure, they dined at the rotating restaurant atop the Reunion Tower, promising to meet there again after his discharge. They kept in touch. But time and distance eroded their relationship. Upon discharge, returning to the Tower on the appointed night, he readily spotted her. They hugged. Only then did he notice the young boy sitting next to her rubbing his little right ear with his left hand.