Amidst the turmoil of emotions, Claire longed for a sense of normalcy, for a fleeting moment of peace where they could simply be husband and wife, without the weight of their traumas overshadowing them. She yearned to be held by him, to feel his comforting touch, but the fear of exposing her vulnerability kept her at arm’s length. In the depths of her soul, Claire knew that she would eventually have to confront the pain and share it with Jamie. But she wasn’t ready. Claire didn’t think she ever would be.