She frowned. “Why do you think that is? I know you saw some stuff over there no one should ever have to see.”

“Same as you.”

“Exactly.”

Gavin shook his head. “I don’t know how to explain it. I’m more watchful than the average person, I get a little tense in traffic—especially when I have to stop for a red light. I jump at sudden loud noises, but I’m not triggered into a flashback and I don’t suffer anxiety or panic attacks. Or many nightmares.”

“I hope you know how blessed you are.”

His eyes caught hers and he wished he could take away the pain she kept trying to hide. Physical and emotional pain. “I do.” He paused. “What are you going to do, Sarah?”

“About?”

“Your father. The Army. All of it.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know. I’m still trying to process that I’m actually no longer in the Army. I guess I’ll need to find a job at some point—at least until I can get reinstated.”

“A job doing what?”

“Investigative reporting. What else?” She shrugged. “It’s all I know how to do. And I love it.”

“My sister, Kaylynn, talked about that as a career for a while.”

“Is she pursuing it?”

“No, she changed her major to communications. Or something. I think.” He shook his head. “I need to ask her.”

They found the mental health unit, and Sarah, walking even more slowly and holding her side, approached the speaker on the wall outside the locked double doors. She pushed the button.

“May I help you?” The voice from the little box echoed in the white concrete hallway.

“I’m Sarah Denning, here to see Dr. McCandless if she has a few minutes.”

“Do you have an appointment?”

“I don’t, but she treated my brother and I was hoping to talk to her for just five minutes, please.”

“I’m sorry. You’ll have to make an appointment.”

Impatience flashed across Sarah’s features followed quickly by frustration. She took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. “Look, I know this is a little out of the norm, but I really need to speak to her.”

“Then I suggest you schedule an appointment. Now, if that’s all, I hope you have a good day.”

“No, that’s not all—” She stopped and bit her lip as she stepped back from the speaker. “That went well,” she muttered.

About like he thought it would. “I don’t want to sound like I’m being a know-it-all, but—” No, he shouldn’t say anything.

“But what?”

“Never mind.”

“No, say what you were going to say.”

“I was just going to say I think you’re pushing too hard,” he said softly. “I know you’re a big girl and don’t need me reminding you that you’re still recovering.”

“But?”