Page 19 of The Awakening

Hello, Doctor Davies,

1. That is an excellent idea. Please include biographical information in the data we collect with specific questions so I can review them.

2. Email Risa.

Thanks,

Junichi

I quickly type up my response.

Will do. Thanks!

When will you return from your trip?

Jae

Biting my lip, I hit send. He’s online now, so… I figure I’ll try. Maybe he’s not interested anymore and I’ve blown it. Or, he might still want to get to know me? I remember his statement about taking his time and giving his full attention… Whenever it flashes in my head, a warm rush of blood races up my neck and heats up my entire face, and I start imagining what that might be like—having Junichi’s full attention.

My email chimes and I sit up again.

October 10th. Why? Do you need something before then?

I don’t, technically. But…

No, I’m fine. I was just curious. Are you on holiday?

About a minute later, his response pops up.

I’m working. Why are you up so late?

I consider for a minute. Truthfully, I can’t sleep.

I’m working as well. Busy schedule tomorrow. Are you doing work for the hospital?

Now there’s been silence on his end for about ten minutes, and I think I’ve lost him. It’s a gaping, slightly anxious feeling… like I’ve asked one question too many and he might be annoyed.

After another ten minutes of mindlessly scanning the Internet (I tell myself I’m not waiting for him to respond—Idoactually need to know “where Freddie Prinze Jr. is now”), I give up and stand to get myself a glass of water.

As I turn, my email chimes.

What’s your phone number? Can I call you?

I’m chuffed. I typeYes, pound out my mobile number and hit send. My phone is on the end table near the sofa. I quickly grab some water, and by the time I’m sitting comfortably, my phone rings.

“Hello?”

Ten

Junichi

“Why are you interviewing me via email at three o’clock in the morning?” I ask. “Is this part of the proposal?”

“No…” the doctor says in his warm accent. When he speaks, it sounds like he’s singing a song. Even in one syllable, I can hear the smile in his voice. “I was just interested.”

I raise my eyebrow as I sit back in the plush armchair, making myself comfortable. “You’reinterestedin me now?”

“I am. You had my number before…”