Episode 68: Terms and Conditions (Flashback)

He looks unwell.

That is the first problem.

The second is that he doesn’t care.

Beckett sits across from me, hunched slightly, mask on, gloves still intact even indoors.

Laptop open. Three different projects running.

“…How long have you been working?” I ask.

“…Not long.”

Lie.

“…Define ‘not long.’”

“…A few hours.”

“…Beckett.”

Silence.

“…Since yesterday,” he admits.

Of course.

I close his laptop.

Deliberately.

He freezes.

“…I wasn’t finished.”

“You’re done.”

“…I have deadlines.”

“You have a body,” I reply flatly.

Pause.

He doesn’t argue.

He never argues properly.

He deflects. Avoids. Endures.

Not today.

I place a document in front of him.

Printed. Structured. Clear.

He stares at it.

“…What is this?”

“A contract.”

Silence.

“…You’re serious.”

“I am always serious.”

He reads.

Slowly. Carefully.

Terms include:

Mandatory sleep hours

Regulated work periods

Proper meals (supervised, when necessary)

Reduced exposure to stress-inducing media

Scheduled breaks

Compliance with medical advice

His eyes linger on one line:

“You will not destroy yourself out of neglect.”

“…And if I don’t sign?” he asks quietly.

I lean forward slightly.

“Then I will intervene anyway,” I say calmly.

“…That’s not how contracts work.”

“No,” I agree.

“…That’s how I work.”

Silence.

He looks at me.

Not directly—but enough.

“…What do you get out of this?”

I don’t hesitate.

“…Peace of mind.”

Pause.

“…And control?” he asks.

“…Structure,” I correct.

Another pause.

“…You’ll help me?”

“Consistently.”

“…Without… leaving?”

“…Without leaving.”

That is the only part that matters.

He picks up the pen.

Signs it.

No hesitation.

“…Alright,” he says softly.

“…I agree.”

I take the document back.

Satisfied.

Then—

I reach out.

Rest my hand gently on his head.

He stills.

“…Good,” I murmur.

He exhales slowly.

Not tense.

Not resisting.

Just… relieved.

“…What now?” he asks.

I tilt his chin slightly.

“…Now you follow instructions.”

“…Understood.”

And just like that—

The foundation is set.

Not ownership.

Not obligation.

Agreement.