The doctor hesitated for a moment before asking, "Why do you want an HIV screening? Are you experiencing symptoms, or have you recently been in contact with someone diagnosed with the disease?"

Alice’s voice dropped to a soft murmur, laced with unease. "I’ve been in contact... I didn’t know beforehand. I only found out recently, and it’s been making me really anxious."

The doctor’s expression remained neutral as she asked, "Is it confirmed that the ...