Identity theft and not betrayal, violence, or secrets had created the nightmare. Sandra felt a rush of relief so powerful it made her knees weak. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the weight of every fear began slowly, mercifully, to loosen its grip.
A doctor and two nurses returned, offering earnest apologies for the frightening protocols. They explained that the urgency was necessary to protect patients during potential threats. Sandra nodded numbly, understanding even as her heart ached from the terror she had endured. Jake squeezed her hand, calming her.