Grace lay back on the tall exam table, the crinkly paper shifting under her shoulders as she tried to get comfortable.

Dr.

Andrew Collins pushed back the blue privacy curtain and walked into the triage area carrying a tablet.

He adjusted his round glasses before looking down at Grace’s face.

“Where’s the sharpest pain, Grace?” Dr.

Collins asked in a calm, even voice.

Grace pointed a shaking finger at her lower right side, an inch above her dark jeans.

“Right here,” she said.