The Husband Hour(104)

“I need to borrow you for a minute,” a tall African American man in a charcoal suit who was wearing an earpiece said to Matt. The two of them walked to the mic, leaving Lauren to find her way back to her seat.

She resisted the urge to turn around and watch the seats fill, but the buzz of conversation grew around her until it felt deafening. The energy in the room was electric. Matt’s producer and a few other people filled out her row, leaving room for Matt in the aisle seat next to her, which he used for just a second before jumping up again to greet someone.

A photographer wearing a press pass took photographs of the room before focusing her camera on Lauren and the front row. She asked the producer for his name, then turned to Lauren.

“Can I please have your name? This is for the New York Times.”

Lauren hesitated for a second, causing the woman to look at her more closely.

“Lauren Kincaid,” she said.

“You’re Rory Kincaid’s widow?”

Lauren nodded.

“Can I speak to you after the film?”

Again, Lauren hesitated. Five years, and she’d never spoken one word to the press. The lights dimmed, signaling the audience to get settled in their seats. It was happening. The time for truth had come.

“Yes,” Lauren said. “We can talk after the film.”

The man in the charcoal suit took the microphone and welcomed everyone to the festival and the premiere of “this important film.”

Matt slid into his seat.

“We are delighted to host the world premiere of American Hero: The Rory Kincaid Story. Five years after the death of hockey star turned soldier Rory Kincaid, American Hero takes on an emotional and challenging topic—head trauma in our athletes and soldiers. The people behind this film are dedicated to helping foster an informed and rational dialogue on the issue while honoring a man who inspired a nation. I am thrilled to share this film with you tonight and honored to introduce director Matt Brio.”

The room erupted in applause. Matt jumped up and returned to the stage and took the mic. Lauren’s stomach did a tiny flip, a combination of nerves and pride—for Rory, and for Matt.

“Thanks to all of you for being here today. And a special thanks to my producer, Craig Mason, and to the Polaris Foundation.” More applause. When it quieted down, Matt said, “When I began this film, I found a motto engraved above the entrance to Rory Kincaid’s high school: Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve. It was an amazing benediction to me, because I went into this project haunted by this question: Why do some men and women answer their nation’s call when so many others are deaf to it? I wanted to illustrate what it means to be a hero. And what I found was that even our greatest heroes are vulnerable and flawed, just like the rest of us. So while they bravely go forth to serve, we need to do a better job of serving them. I hope that after watching this film, you’ll agree. Thank you, and enjoy the film.”

The crowd erupted in vigorous applause. Lauren watched the curtain rise on the giant screen in front of her. Matt returned to his seat.

She smiled at him.

“You ready?” he asked, leaning closer. He started to put his arm around her but then hesitated.

Lauren reached for his hand.

“Yes,” she said, her eyes locked on his. “I’m finally ready.”