The evaluation described severe muscle stiffness, involuntary thumb tremors, and accelerated neurological decline.

The final diagnosis was typed in dark capital letters near the bottom margin: early-onset Parkinson’s disease with aggressive progression.

“He was diagnosed four months ago,” David said gently.

“He told me he took those personal days to help a commercial client in Chattanooga,” I said.

“He went to the neurology center alone,” David said.

“He asked the clinic director to keep the report out of his primary health network until September.”

“Why would he delay putting it on file?” I asked.