The young waitress had a tattoo on her arm, which the café veteran saw. He was appalled when he recalled where he had previously seen that tattoo 
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and slightly burnt toast filled the café in the morning.Lili carried her tray between the tables. She had already spent three years working as a waiter at this café.
Living on the outskirts of the city and caring for her ailing mother, she was a modest girl.
The pause was broken by a customer’s voice saying, “Hey, Li!.” — Don’t get your coffee on my hand!
The entire group erupted in laughter, but Lili just moved over to another table after steadily pouring the coffee.
That day, a veteran with gray hair and a camouflage outfit sat in the window’s corner. He took a leisurely, introspective sip of his coffee. He kept his gaze fixed on Li.
A lengthy black tattoo of a black falcon holding a medical cross emerged from beneath the waitress’s sleeve as she knelt down to pick up a soiled napkin.
The old man froze. Halfway to his lips, the cup stopped. He was familiar with the emblem.
Abruptly, he rose, took hold of her wrist, and tugged up the sleeve.
— Where was that tattoo purchased?
Lili became anxious, but she made an effort to conceal her bewilderment with a grin.
— Oh. I chose to have it inked after finding a lovely image online.
Don’t lie! — The veteran’s tone hardened. I am fully aware of the meaning behind that tattoo.
Only members of one particular unit wore that tattoo. And the man who wore it before you is someone I know.
He met her gaze directly, and Li saw the futility of running.
She fought to contain her tears as she murmured, “This tattoo belonged to my father.” — I was five when he passed away. I never heard much about him from my mother. I had it completed in his honor.
The veteran sat back in his chair gently. He had shaking hands.
My commander was your father. We had a unique mission. He kept me alive. The only one that returned was me. I had no idea that he had a daughter.
There was silence in the café.Lili lowered her gaze, and the veteran spoke steadily while continuing to hold her wrist:
You can’t cover up your tattoo. It’s more than simply a photo. It serves as a reminder of your father and his legacy. Li, you are his remembrance. And his greatest legacy is you.
