Beneath Azure Clouds

Summary

Seven years after our divorce, I saw Sean Hughes again during an assignment on the border.

I was a war correspondent. He was one of the expatriates being evacuated.

Seeing my face covered in grime, he instinctively reached out to wipe it clean.

I turned away, avoiding his touch, and gave him a polite nod.

Sean froze, slowly pulling his hand back. A self-mocking smile touched his lips. "Ava," he said, "you still resent me, don't you?"

I was surprised by his assumption, but I kept my tone courteous. "Not at all, Mr. Hughes. You're overthinking it."