A Soldier’s Fall, A Husband’s Rise From Ruin

Five years after my divorce from my ex-wife, the special forces captain, I came across her again during the rehearsal for the Army Commendation Ceremony.

Just as the security staff were about to look over my ID, she stepped inside and their voices softened. “Captain Morales! You’re here too.”

She gave a small nod, her eyes landing on me.

“He came with me.”

I calmly declined and took my pass from my pocket.

“There’s no need. I brought my pass.”

She glanced at the pass in my hand and stayed silent for a few seconds. “Archie Ortiz, after all these years, you still blame me.”