Jess McHugh (Host/Narrator)

Sarah had other triggers, too. Any surprises or loud noises could make her jump, literally, which is a real symptom of PTSD for vets. And for Sarah, kids were also a problem. Yeah, kids. She told Michelle that she avoided them, and there was a reason.

Sarah had other triggers, too. Any surprises or loud noises could make her jump, literally, which is a real symptom of PTSD for vets. And for Sarah, kids were also a problem. Yeah, kids. She told Michelle that she avoided them, and there was a reason.

At this point in the interview with Michelle, my jaw was on the floor because of course this isn't true. It's another fictional story Sarah told. But of all the lies I'd heard Sarah tell, that one stands out. If Sarah was going to make something up about killing someone in combat, why say it was a child? It just seems so bizarre, the kind of thing that would actually put people off from her.

At this point in the interview with Michelle, my jaw was on the floor because of course this isn't true. It's another fictional story Sarah told. But of all the lies I'd heard Sarah tell, that one stands out. If Sarah was going to make something up about killing someone in combat, why say it was a child? It just seems so bizarre, the kind of thing that would actually put people off from her.

But maybe it's because it's the kind of story that really does not invite questions. Michelle grew attached to Sarah, and their friendship really deepened as they started spending time together outside of the gym. They'd go for weekly walks in the woods and meet for crepes. In those moments, Sarah opened up even more about her past.

But maybe it's because it's the kind of story that really does not invite questions. Michelle grew attached to Sarah, and their friendship really deepened as they started spending time together outside of the gym. They'd go for weekly walks in the woods and meet for crepes. In those moments, Sarah opened up even more about her past.

She said she'd been hit by an IED blast in Iraq, that she'd developed a traumatic brain injury and damaged her lungs. All of this came out piece by piece, one walk at a time. And despite all she was facing, Sarah remained resilient, upbeat even. Her nickname at the gym was actually Sunshine.

She said she'd been hit by an IED blast in Iraq, that she'd developed a traumatic brain injury and damaged her lungs. All of this came out piece by piece, one walk at a time. And despite all she was facing, Sarah remained resilient, upbeat even. Her nickname at the gym was actually Sunshine.

But a few years into Sarah and Michelle's friendship, Sarah's health took a decisive turn for the worse. During their walks in the woods, she couldn't catch her breath. Sometimes she'd need to stop altogether. And one day, Sarah tells Michelle why.

But a few years into Sarah and Michelle's friendship, Sarah's health took a decisive turn for the worse. During their walks in the woods, she couldn't catch her breath. Sometimes she'd need to stop altogether. And one day, Sarah tells Michelle why.

The gym rallied to help Sarah. They raised thousands of dollars. They cooked her meals and peanut butter balls. One couple even got her brand new hearing aids. Whatever Sarah said she needed, the gym community tried to give it to her.

The gym rallied to help Sarah. They raised thousands of dollars. They cooked her meals and peanut butter balls. One couple even got her brand new hearing aids. Whatever Sarah said she needed, the gym community tried to give it to her.

The gym buddies showered Sarah with many gifts. And perhaps the greatest of these was a wedding. Here's how it went down. Sarah told people at the gym that she was engaged to Nicole, and their main problem was that they couldn't find a wedding venue. But there was this couple from the gym, Kate and Mark Feudy.

The gym buddies showered Sarah with many gifts. And perhaps the greatest of these was a wedding. Here's how it went down. Sarah told people at the gym that she was engaged to Nicole, and their main problem was that they couldn't find a wedding venue. But there was this couple from the gym, Kate and Mark Feudy.

They're in their mid-50s, both had worked at Dunkin' Donuts headquarters, where they met and fell in love. That's a New Englander's dream, if you ask me. They often took Sarah out for dinner, let her use their pool as part of her physical therapy. They became really close, almost like a set of surrogate parents. Kate and Mark also have a place up in Vermont.

They're in their mid-50s, both had worked at Dunkin' Donuts headquarters, where they met and fell in love. That's a New Englander's dream, if you ask me. They often took Sarah out for dinner, let her use their pool as part of her physical therapy. They became really close, almost like a set of surrogate parents. Kate and Mark also have a place up in Vermont.

Kate told us that one day, Sarah just kind of dropped the hint, told them, Well, we want to get married.

Kate told us that one day, Sarah just kind of dropped the hint, told them, Well, we want to get married.

They're underselling it, but it's a gorgeous farmhouse originally built in 1851. Kind of classic Vermont charm.

They're underselling it, but it's a gorgeous farmhouse originally built in 1851. Kind of classic Vermont charm.