“Oliver Caetano, right?” A man approached, extending his hand in greeting. “I'm Dr. Tácio Duarte. My assistant told me you had already arrived, so I came as quickly as I could.”

“Oh, yes. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry for arriving early—it's just that I'm a bit anxious.”

“I understand how you feel, Oliver. If you'd like, we can go to my office now.”

“Of course, let's go.”

As I followed the doctor, he asked,

“Were you heading to the kitchen? Did you want something to drink?”

“I was just