Today was day one.

I stood there in a freshly pressed uniform that still felt a little too stiff, trying to look confident even though my stomach was flipping like a coin. First day at the academy, surrounded by strangers, all of us pretending we weren’t nervous.

And then I saw her.

My baby sister, Avery.

She came toddling across the concrete in her little white shoes, denim jacket, and the biggest bow you’ve ever seen. Like she was marching into battle with cuteness as her weapon.

Soon as she spotted me, she lit up like Christmas morning. Reached her arms out and yelled, “Bubba!” like it was the most important mission of her life.

All the nervousness I had about the day melted away in that moment. Avery’s bright, innocent face was a beacon of comfort, and I couldn’t help but smile. My little sister, the one who always believed in me, was here. And despite all the uncertainty, I knew she was my biggest fan, my number one supporter.