Poppy jolts awake before dawn, briefly thinking a robber has broken in, but she quickly realizes Alex is the one making noise. He is standing beside the bed in severe pain, shirtless and bent over, and he explains that he is having a back spasm. Poppy helps Alex sit on the bed and props pillows behind him because moving up and down makes the pain worse.

As Alex settles, he explains that he was trying to get up early for a run and must have moved too quickly from the low cot. He also reveals that these back spasms have been happening for about a year and that he often cannot even bend down first thing in the morning. That admission hits Poppy hard because it is another important part of Alex's life that developed during the years when they were distant.

Alex apologizes repeatedly, blaming himself for choosing the cot and worrying that he has ruined the trip. Poppy reassures him that he has not ruined anything and jokes that Nikolai is the real problem. Still, Alex's discomfort is not just physical; he clearly hates needing help or being fussed over.

Poppy thinks about how much Alex has always resisted being taken care of, remembering a college incident when he shut her out while sick with strep throat. The memory sharpens her feelings, and she recognizes again how overwhelming her love for him still is. Wanting to help in a practical way, she asks him directly what he needs.

Alex finally gives in and tells Poppy that his muscle relaxants are in his laptop bag. Poppy gets the medication and a glass of water, then presses further until Alex admits that an ice pack would help and that he normally alternates cold and heat while staying still. When the rental has neither an ice pack nor a heating pad, Poppy decides to go to the pharmacy.

Alex protests that she should go back to sleep because it is her vacation, but Poppy refuses and calls it their summer trip instead. She leaves after teasing him not to dance around naked while she is gone. Alex thanks her, and their exchange ends on a tender note that underscores both his need to feel useful and Poppy's steady devotion to him.