“Okay. Okay. Listen to me. I’m coming. Just—just stay where you are.” She swallowed. “Daniel, I didn’t—” “I know,” he said quickly. Too quickly. Then, softer, recalibrated. “I’m not saying you did this on purpose. I’m just trying to understand how this happened.” There was a brief silence. When he spoke again, his tone had changed—slower now, measured.
“You’ve been dizzy lately,” he said. “You told me yourself things haven’t felt right. You’ve been forgetful.” “That doesn’t mean—” Clare stopped, losing the thread. “I’m supposed to start tomorrow. I can’t miss work. I can’t—” “Hey,” Daniel said gently. “Slow down.” A pause. Then, firmer: “You’re not thinking clearly right now.” Her fingers curled around the phone. “I am.”