Peter's Request

Upon hearing those words, none of us could fathom that they came from Peter. Even Neil put down his spoon and turned to look at Peter. The room fell into a hushed silence, everyone waiting for Peter to voice his reluctant request.

"My family has a patient suffering from severe headaches. Not only does he refuse to go to the hospital, but he also won't let any visiting doctors treat him. He's incredibly stubborn."

"You want Neil to treat him?" I asked.

"Yes, but I think Lisa should go with him. It's not that I don't trust Lisa, but there's a good chance she won't be able to handle his bad temper."

"It's not about trust," Lisa said, unbothered and perceptive. "I don't like dealing with stubborn people either. You want Neil to give it a try, don't you?"

"Yes," Peter admitted.

"What do you think?" I looked at Neil.

"I think I can, but..."

"Neil, I can vouch with my name that he won't harm you. He prefers women," Peter hurried to clarify, fearing Neil might misunderstand, and that we might