When The Dust Settles

High in the rugged Omani mountains, far from the lives they once knew, two strangers meet at a time when neither of them is looking to be found.
Noreen has spent three years paying for one mistake.
Released from prison with no home to return to, no family willing to claim her, and barely enough money to survive, she takes the only work she can find: cleaning and serving drinks on an isolated military base far from home. She has one plan-keep her head down, save everything she earns, and get further away enough to start again.
Matteo has spent three years pretending the past doesn't matter.
Fresh from Afghanistan and haunted by the people he couldn't save, Matteo arrives in Oman determined to prove he is still useful. Fix the failing base. Keep his soldiers in line and better prepared for the next fight. Stay busy enough that the memories can't catch him.
Both have learned that some things are easier left unsaid.
In a place where everyone seems to be carrying something they would rather forget, their unlikely connection becomes harder to ignore-and more dangerous to hold onto.
What's one more secret from the world?
Unless that secret is the one that finally unravels you.

TW: This story includes descriptive details of war violence, Blood, Death, SA, Depression and Suicide. If these themes make you uncomfortable or trigger you, please feel free to browse other stories that don't include such topics, and stay safe.

Note: It's an ongoing book, that I'm changing every now and then.
I'm an aspiring writer - please give me all the criticism you can - I need the help!