"Thank you for taking such good care of her," Ruby says earnestly, like an older sister more than a friend.

Dr. Beaumont chuckles. "Oh, it's my job. And even if it wasn't..." She leans in conspiratorially. "No one tells Akbar no when it comes to Rose's care. She's in the best hands here."

He's been overseeing my treatment and making sure I have the best of everything, and it's not a secret. Still, hearing it stated so plainly is embarrassing.

"He really cares about you, you know," Dr. ...