The health check was almost an afterthought. His company’s wellness program offered vouchers, and Daniel decided to tick it off, like renewing car insurance. Claire teased him—“finally acting like a grown-up”—when he texted her the appointment confirmation. He didn’t give it much thought. His body always seemed dependable.
The clinic felt calmer than he expected, walls painted soft gray, nurses brisk but kind. He filled out forms, joked nervously, rolled up his sleeve for blood and gave each sample that was asked for. Walking out, he felt oddly accomplished, like he’d done something responsible for future Daniel, the man who worried about cholesterol and back pain.