Ivy Walker's POV:
3 years later, Lindenstadt, Alderland.
Late-summer sunlight filtered through the tall linden trees in Hartwell Park, scattering patches of light and shadow across the stone path.
Inside the Haldane Institute for Brain Research's multipurpose hall, the Global Neurosurgery Summit's awards ceremony was underway.
"This year's Outstanding Young Investigator Award for Contributions to Molecularly Targeted Alzheimer's Therapy goes to—Dr. Ivy Walker of the Lindenstadt Free University Neuromedical Center!"
Thunderous applause filled the hall.
Wearing a crisp dark-green skirt suit, my long hair neatly pinned back, I walked onto the stage with a smile and accepted the heavy crystal trophy from the president of the International Society for Brain Science.
Cameras flashed all a
