Six months later, the morning sun filtered through floor‑to‑ceiling windows of the refurbished Thorne Neurological Institute. Julian, walking with a slender black cane, led a small tour group through the newly christened Whitaker Hope Ward—its pastel walls lined with smiling children's drawings and low beds fitted with colorful crib mobiles.
Camila followed, clipboard in hand, guiding two pediatric nurses as they demonstrated mirror‑synesthesia exercises. Lucas trailed ahead, bounding from room to room on his crutches, offering high‑fives to every patient he passed.
**Camila** (to Nurse Davis): “Show them how to simulate controlled separation. Five minutes on, two minutes off. Watch his EEG drops."
**Nurse Davis** nodded and began, while Camila explained, “This helps recalibrate the neu
