The relief on his face was culpable.  He exhaled the breath that he hadn't even realized he was holding, and realizing that he was still holding the crowbar defensively, he placed it clumsily on a counter.<br/><br/>"Oh, thank God," he sighed, a hint of hysterical laughter fighting for release, causing his voice to waver, "For a moment there I thought I was going mad!"<br/><br/>He ran his hand through his hair and took a deep breath, then realized she had asked him a question.<br/><br/>"Oh, um, sick?  No...I'm not sick...wait, you mean like those...those things out there?" he asked, jerking his thumb towards the door, "No, definitely not like them.  I've been avoiding them for days, but their numbers are growing."<br/><br/>He looked back at the door, nervously.  Turning back, he extended his hand cautiously in greeting.<br/><br/>"I'm Jake, by the way.  Sorry again about your door."