Chapter 23 - The Company Falls
Sherman Biotech was divided and sold.
Its safe research programs transferred to universities and public-health institutions.
SN-14 was permanently banned.
The old research building was demolished after investigators completed their work.
Elijah lost most of his personal fortune through lawsuits and restitution.
He sold the mansion, private plane shares, and luxury vehicles.
He moved with Toby into a modest townhouse near the hospital.
Toby chose the smallest bedroom because it had a window facing a playground.
Elijah learned how to cook badly.
He burned pancakes.
He mixed colors in the laundry.
He attended therapy and parenting classes.
No cameras documented it.
No investors applauded.
That was why the changes began to matter.
Naomi visited only in her role as Toby’s doctor at first.
Toby recovered slowly.
His liver regenerated.
His fear of needles required counseling.
He began drawing pictures of hospitals where the doctors wore superhero capes.
One drawing showed Naomi standing beside Elijah.
He held it up.
“This is my family.”
Naomi knelt.
“Families can look many different ways.”
“Can you be in mine?”
Elijah looked away, embarrassed by the question.
Naomi answered gently.
“I already care about you very much.”
Toby seemed satisfied.
Elijah did not press her.
May you like
Years earlier, he would have mistaken affection for permission.
Now he understood that trust needed space.
