In the Wings

Andy was fully aware of what Jim was trying to do. She knew deep down that she had hurt him much more deeply than his wife had. He was coping with that more easily than the hurt she had seen on his face years ago when she broke the news to him of her elopement with Paul. Yet here he was comforting her because of what Paul had done to her. She was awed that his only concern now was for her comfort and solace. She felt unworthy. At the same time, she couldn’t help tingling with a cozy, warm feeling of contentment just being in his arms. All this, combined with her resentment and deep hurt from the damage that Paul had done to her self-esteem, suddenly washed over her like the giant waves relentlessly pounding against the side of the ship. She was drowning in a sea of confusion, being pulled down by an undertow of guilt so strong she could no longer fight it. She dissolved into tears and broke away. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “Please excuse me. I’m going to my cabin.” She turned and fled through the door and up the stairs to her suite, leaving Jim standing there alone.