Annie hated eight-thirty in the morning. She hated it on weekdays, weekends, holidays, and especially when it involved leaving her warm bed for a hospital. At 8:12 a.m., she stood in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection with deep resentment. “People should not be expected to make important medical decisions this early.” Her phone vibrated. Brian: I’m outside. Annie looked at the time. 8:12. She typed back immediately. Annie: You’re early. Brian: You’re surprised? Annie: I’m disappointed. I was hoping to arrive late and blame traffic. Brian: You have eighteen minutes. Annie: That sounds like pressure. Brian: It is. Annie rolled her eyes, grabbed her bag, and hurried downstairs. Margaret Lewis was waiting near the entrance with a small paper bag. “Breakfast,” she said. Annie looked inside. “You’re becoming my favorite person.” “I thought I already was.” “You’re competing with the pudding.” Margaret smiled. “Eat it in the car.” Outside, Brian stood beside his black sedan, dressed in a charcoal suit. He checked his watch when Annie approached. She immediately pointed at him. “Don’t.” “I haven’t said anything.” “You were thinking about saying something.” “I was thinking that you’re late.” “I’m eighteen minutes early.” “You’re three minutes late.” “That is a disgusting attitude for a man visiting a doctor.” Brian opened the passenger door. “Get in.” Annie stared at him. “You’re lucky I’m concerned about your health.” “I’m aware.” She entered the car, placing her bag on her lap. Brian closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side. As soon as he started the engine, Annie opened the paper bag. Brian glanced at her. “What did Margaret pack?” “Egg sandwiches and fruit.” “Good.” Annie turned toward him. “You sound relieved.” “I am.” “Why?” “Because you skipped breakfast.” “I did not skip breakfast.” “You were still upstairs at eight.” “I was preparing mentally.” “For what?” “Your medical bills.” Brian’s mouth curved faintly. Annie handed him half the sandwich. He looked at it. “I’m driving.” “You have one hand free.” “Annie.” “Eat.” He accepted the sandwich. She watched until he took a bite, then settled back into her seat with satisfaction. “You’re becoming manageable,” she announced. “I’ll try to recover.” The hospital was private, modern, and far too clean for Annie’s liking. Brian led her through the entrance with one hand in his pocket, his expression composed. Several people recognized him, but no one approached. His reputation seemed to move ahead of him, clearing the path. Annie noticed the way some employees lowered their voices when he passed. She leaned closer. “Do you always make people look frightened?” “Not intentionally.” “That’s worse.” Brian glanced at her. “Stay close.” Annie stopped walking. “Excuse me?” “There are people moving around.” “I’m not a child.” “I know.” “Then don’t tell me to stay close.” Brian looked at her for a moment. “I meant it as a request.” The response caught her off guard. She quickly continued walking. “Your requests sound like orders.” “I’ll work on it.” “Good. You have many flaws.” “I’m beginning to notice.” At the reception desk, Brian gave his name. The receptionist immediately straightened. “Mr. Starks, the doctor is ready for you.” Annie glanced at him. “You’re famous even in hospitals.” “Unfortunately.” “Do you want me to sign autographs?” “No.” “Pity. I would charge ten dollars.” Brian looked at her. “You charge me for everything.” “Your company can afford it.” They were escorted to a private consultation room. A few minutes later, a middle-aged doctor entered with a tablet in hand. “Mr. Starks. I’m Dr. Harrison.” Brian shook his hand. “Doctor.” Dr. Harrison looked at Annie. “And you are?” “His supervisor.” Brian closed his eyes briefly. The doctor smiled. “I see.” “I’m joking,” Annie said. “I’m a medical student.” “That explains the concern.” “It explains the questions. The concern comes from his terrible habits.” Brian sat down. “Doctor, can we begin?” Dr. Harrison reviewed his records and asked several questions about Brian’s symptoms. How often did the pain occur? Was it worse before or after meals? Did he experience nausea, bloating, or discomfort at night? Had he been taking his medication consistently? Brian answered calmly, but Annie noticed how often he tried to make his symptoms sound less serious. “Occasionally,” he said. Dr. Harrison looked at the tablet. “You reported pain four times last month.” Brian remained silent. Annie turned toward him. “Four times?” “It wasn’t severe.” “That wasn’t the question.” Dr. Harrison continued. “Your previous tests suggested significant irritation, but I want to repeat some investigations. We’ll also review your medication and eating schedule.” Brian nodded. “You need to stop skipping meals,” the doctor added. “And you need to reduce stress where possible.” Annie slowly turned toward Brian. He looked at her. She raised her eyebrows. Brian sighed. “I heard him.” “Wonderful. Your ears work.” Dr. Harrison smiled. “She’s right to be concerned. Medication alone won’t solve the problem if you continue the same habits.” Annie leaned back, satisfied. Brian looked at her. “You appear pleased.” “I’m thrilled. A qualified professional agrees with me.” “Don’t become unbearable.” “I passed that stage years ago.” The doctor ordered additional tests and scheduled a follow-up appointment. Brian listened carefully, asked several practical questions, and accepted the instructions without argument. Annie noticed. He might be stubborn, but he wasn’t careless when someone spoke to him seriously. He simply needed someone to make him stop long enough to listen. When they left the consultation room, Brian’s phone began ringing. He glanced at the screen. Annie reached for it before he could answer. “No.” “It’s my assistant.” “Your assistant can wait.” “It may concern work.” “Your stomach concerns your life.” Brian held out his hand. “Give me the phone.” Annie tucked it behind her back. “Say please.” He stared at her. She stared back. “Annie.” “Try again.” “Please.” She handed him the phone immediately. Brian answered. “What is it?” He listened for a few seconds, then said, “Send the documents to my email. I’ll review them after lunch.” Annie’s eyes widened. After lunch? He had actually said after lunch. Brian ended the call. She pointed at him. “You’re improving rapidly.” “I’m glad you approve.” “I do.” They reached the hospital entrance, where the morning sun was already bright. Brian paused beside the car. “What would you like for breakfast?” Annie blinked. “You promised to buy me breakfast.” “I remember.” “You really do remember everything.” His eyes rested on her face. “I told you I did.” Annie suddenly became aware of the quiet between them. She looked away first. “Pancakes,” she said. “Pancakes?” “With strawberries. And eggs. And bacon.” “That’s a lot.” “You’re paying for my time.” “You spent most of the appointment insulting me.” “That requires energy.” Brian opened the car door. “Get in.” “Are you going to eat?” “Yes.” “Your own food?” “Yes.” “Enough of it?” He looked at her. Annie smiled. “I’m making sure.” Brian shook his head, but there was amusement in his eyes. The restaurant was small, elegant, and nearly empty. Annie approved immediately. “This is better than your usual restaurants.” Brian pulled out a chair for her. “Why?” “They don’t look as though they would charge me for breathing.” “You ordered lobster the first time we went out.” “And it was excellent.” They sat near the window. Annie ordered pancakes, eggs, bacon, and fresh juice. Brian ordered a full breakfast as well. When the waiter left, Annie rested her chin on her hand. “So.” Brian looked up from the menu. “So?” “You have to change your lifestyle.” “I’m aware.” “You need regular meals, proper sleep, less stress, and fewer hours pretending you’re the only person capable of managing your company.” “I don’t pretend that.” “You fired someone because they made a mistake in a report.” “They made a serious mistake.” “You see? You’re proving my point.” Brian placed the menu aside. “You talk a lot when you’re worried.” Annie’s expression changed. “I’m not worried.” “You are.” “I’m irritated.” “Those things can coexist.” She looked out the window. Brian’s voice softened. “Thank you for coming with me.” Annie shrugged. “Someone had to make sure you didn’t escape.” “You could have stayed home.” “I could have.” “But you didn’t.” She turned back toward him. Brian’s gaze was steady, direct, and unexpectedly warm. Annie suddenly found the table very interesting. “I wanted breakfast,” she said. “Of course.” “And pancakes.” “I know.” “And you owed me.” “I know that too.” She narrowed her eyes. “You’re becoming too confident.” “I learned from you.” The food arrived before she could respond. Annie immediately began eating, and Brian followed her example. For several minutes, the only sounds were cutlery and quiet conversation from nearby tables. Then Brian asked, “Would you like to visit Auntie Mei this weekend?” Annie looked up. “You remembered?” “I remember everything you tell me.” She lowered her fork. The question was simple, but the thought of returning home filled her with a strange mixture of excitement and sadness. “I want to go,” she admitted. “I haven’t seen her since I came here.” “I’ll take you on Saturday.” Annie hesitated. “You don’t have to.” “I know.” “You have work.” “I can make time.” She studied him. “Why?” Brian set down his fork. “Because she matters to you.” The answer was so straightforward that Annie had no joke ready. Her fingers tightened slightly around her glass. Then she looked away and murmured, “You’re making it difficult to dislike you.” Brian leaned back in his chair. “I wasn’t aware that was my objective.” “It should be.” “Why?” “Because you’re much easier to deal with when I’m annoyed.” “And now?” Annie glanced at him. Now, she was beginning to notice the small things. The way he listened. The way he remembered. The way he made space for her without making her feel weak. She picked up her fork again. “Now you’re becoming a problem.” Brian’s expression softened. “What kind of problem?” Annie took another bite of pancake and refused to answer. But the silence between them no longer felt uncomfortable. It felt like something beginning.

Eight-Thirty in The Morning