"...I've checked your physical examination report, and there's nothing wrong with your physiological data. You mentioned some recent migraines which might be due to stress. Did anything troubling happen recently?"
With a medical report in his hand and adjusting his glasses, Shiller looked at Steve seated across him in the therapist's office. Steve seemed a bit stiff. Resting his elbows on the table, he answered, "Yes, I have been somewhat tense recently, it's just..."
Observing Steve's hesitant demeanor, Shiller broke into a chuckle. "Let me guess — you must have met a charming female agent at S.H.I.E.L.D. and then you two..."
"No, nothing like that." Steve denied immediately. "We only met once in a café and have known each other less than a week. It's definitely not... not..."
"You know, from the moment you walked in, I guessed that our distinguished Captain America must be in love." Shiller put down the medical report he had been holding. Steve rubbed his hands together, "Is it that obvious?"
"You've shaved particularly cleanly today, and instead of wearing that slightly outdated motorcycle jacket, you're in a rather trendy overcoat. You seem to have even styled your hair..." Shiller pointed out the changes in Steve bit by bit. Touching his own cheek, Steve looked somewhat embarrassed.
"Embracing a new life can always make one feel anxious and nervy, especially since your anxiety disorder isn't completely cured. It's normal for this to manifest physically. If the pain gets unbearable, you can take some painkillers."
"No, it's just occasional soreness, which usually goes away in a few minutes. By the way, how's my anxiety disorder going?" Steve asked anxiously. "If I still have psychological issues, it's better I stay out of her way..."
"Your mindset seems to be stuck decades ago. Not all mental illnesses make a person aggressive. Anxiety disorder isn't so rare, and you're nearly cured. If everything is fine in your final check-up next week, you'll be declared healed." Shiller said with a smile.
Steve breathed a sigh of relief, stood up from his chair, and turned to Shiller. "Thank you, Doctor. I wouldn't know what to do without you… Oh, right, I'm moving out of the S.H.I.E.L.D. dormitory. Once I settle in, you have to come over…"
"Don't worry, I'll be waiting for your invitation." Shiller showed Steve out of the door.
After leaving Arkham Sanatorium, Steve stretched out lazily, feeling quite a bit lighter.
Moving was tiresome, even for a Super Soldier. Fortunately, the job was almost done. A bit more tidying up that day, and it would be finished.
Thinking of this, Steve sped up. He intended to complete the moving work that day, and, perhaps, ask the female agent out for a meal the next.
Soon, he returned to the S.H.I.E.L.D. dormitory. After he packed the last big box, carried it out and ran into Shiller, Steve managed to wave to him freehand. Shiller nodded to him and they brushed past each other.
As he headed down the corridor, reached the elevator, and was about to press the button for the first floor, another figure stepped inside.
"Oh, Dr. Shiller, are you going down too? Did you forget something?" Steve asked.
"No, I need to head back to the sanatorium. There's a patient waiting for me. Which floor are you going to?"
"First floor, thank you."
Shiller pressed the button for Steve, but instantly Steve sensed something off. "Back to the sanatorium? Didn't you just come from there?"
At that moment, the elevator arrived at the first floor. As the door opened, Shiller went out first. With doubts in his mind, Steve gathered his box and found Coulson in the parking lot.
"Hey, Captain, good afternoon! Come on, put it in the trunk, I'll give you a ride." Coulson greeted Steve and took the box from him, placing it in the trunk.
Once in the car, Steve, still suspicious, asked: "Did you see Dr. Shiller just now? Why is he running back and forth between S.H.I.E.L.D. and the sanatorium?"
"Ah, about that..." Coulson dragged out his reply. "I've been out on a lot of field assignments recently. You should ask Natasha."
By the time they reached their destination, Steve was still clueless as to why Coulson's attitude seemed strange.
However, the joy of moving into a new home quickly washed away his confusion. Carrying his box, Steve swiftly got on the elevator that led to his newly rented apartment.
The location was great and it had a good lighting. Around noon, sunlight coming through the large window cast mottled shadows on the couch. Steve put down the box, sat relaxed on the couch and let out a satisfied sigh.
Just then, his phone rang. Upon answering, he found it was Dr. Shiller's voice on the other side.
"Yes, Doctor...What? Go back for another check-up? But isn't my check-up supposed to be next week? Has there been any change in my condition?... Alright, I understand. I'll be right over."
Steve sprang up from the couch with a 'whoosh', feeling noticeably anxious. He took a few deep breaths to calm down, walked out avoiding the still messy items in the room, and took the elevator downstairs.