Chapter 18

Sixteen months before, Charlotte arrives at a romantic six-month anniversary dinner with Clark, distracted by an earlier patient whose rash she belatedly recognized as scabies. Anxious and itching, she hides her worry from Clark, self-conscious about her looks and the waitress’s flirtation. Clark expresses how close he feels to Charlotte, then kneels and proposes with a large diamond ring. Overwhelmed, Charlotte says yes, and the restaurant applauds.

The next morning, Clark, buoyant and whistling Mozart, suggests breakfast at their regular diner and getting the oversized ring resized. Charlotte remains image-conscious but excited about their future together and the routines they are already forming.

At the diner entrance, Charlotte runs into former clinic patient Stan Leroy, who once asked her out. When Clark casually mentions he was Charlotte’s patient, Stan’s expression falls. After Clark goes inside, Stan challenges Charlotte, implying her rule against dating patients applies only to men she finds unattractive, and says he wouldn’t want to spend time with someone like her anyway.

Hurt and embarrassed, Charlotte prepares to join Clark but notices Stan still outside, staring at her through the window. The encounter dampens her elation, introducing doubt and discomfort just as her engagement begins.