“Ms. Davis?”
The voice on the other end of the line sounded a bit puzzled, probably because Camila had gone quiet for too long.
She snapped back to the moment and answered hastily, “Yes—sorry, I’m here. I just didn’t expect you to pick up, Mr. Williams. I’m a little surprised.”
Dennis Williams replied in his usual calm, matter-of-fact way, “I happened to be near Aaron, and figured you were probably calling for me, so I answered.”
Camila let out a relieved breath. “Actually, yes—I wanted to thank you. Yesterday was Lillian’s birthday, and you had Mr. Adams bring Lightning over. She loved it—she was so happy.”
“I thought she might,” Dennis said, his voice warm and steady, the kind that put people at ease. “Having Lightning around could help her open up, even if it’s just a little at a time. It may not seem like much now, but with patience, the results could surprise you.”
Camila felt truly grateful. “That was so thoughtful, Mr. Williams. Please, let me thank you properly when you’re back in Harrisburg. Dinner’s on me—my treat.”
Dennis didn’t accept or refuse outright—he just answered honestly, “If there’s a chance, sure. But I probably won’t be back any time soon. I’m overseas for a while.”
Camila didn’t seem disappointed at all. “That’s fine—whenever you’re back, just let me know. I’ll work around your schedule.”
She thought she might’ve heard a hint of a smile in his voice when he replied, “Alright.”
Then he shifted gears. “Ms. Davis, actually, I picked up today because I have a favor to ask. Is this a good time?”
She didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely!”
Dennis let out a soft, amused sound. “I haven’t even told you what it is yet.”
Camila felt a little embarrassed but spoke earnestly, “Mr. Williams, you’ve done so much for Lillian. I’ve been hoping for a chance to return the favor. Whatever it is, if I can help, I will.”
He chuckled, his tone lighter. “Well, since you insist, I won’t be shy. There’s a patient I’d like your help with—a nineteen-year-old girl. She’s been having mysterious high fevers. According to her family, these started after she began seeing her boyfriend. She’s fine most of the time, but every time she’s around him, it happens.”
“Her family was so worried, they forced her to break up with him. She took it hard and eventually came to me for counseling. But after a thorough evaluation, I don’t believe this is a psychological issue—it’s more likely physical.”
“She’s already seen a bunch of doctors, but no one can figure out what’s wrong. I thought maybe you’d have some ideas.”
He said it with such certainty, Camila could tell he truly trusted her medical skills.
She didn’t doubt his assessment for a second—when it came to the mind, Dennis Williams was the best.
As for the girl’s symptoms…well, Camila had never heard of anything quite like it. But in medicine, there are always strange and rare cases—this could just be one of them.
She quickly collected herself and replied, “Don’t worry, Mr. Williams. If it’s a physical issue, I’ll do everything I can to help her.”
Her tone was steady, no excuses, just a promise.
Dennis seemed to pick up on her sincerity. “If it turns out to be too complicated, don’t push yourself. Just do your best.”

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