"If we don't eliminate the organization," Alexander said gravely, "it'll keep churning out man-made viruses!"

"Where are you now?" he asked.

Mike sent his location. "Hurry," he said. "If anyone discovers the body, there'll be trouble."

"I'm coming!" Alexander hung up and quickly called another number. "Can you help me? You're the only one I can count on."

Dominic regained consciousness at dawn. He opened his eyes to an immaculately clean bedroom, devoid of the previous night's stains. He coughed, but received no response. Removing his blanket, he sat up and coughed loudly. Still, silence. He felt utterly alone.

He sat up, surprised to feel much better; his strength had returned. He examined his arm, then his chest, confident Austin had expelled most, if not all, of the virus. He stretched, drew a deep breath, and thought, "I feel amazing!"

He dressed and went to the next bedroom, pleased to find it equally clean. Leaving the room, he breathed in the fresh scent of his herbal plants, feeling reborn. Entering the living area, he heard a commotion—a liveliness he hadn't experienced on the estate since the outbreak. It sounded pleasant.

Reaching the doorway, he saw Galen diligently wringing a towel. The boy's small hands strained with effort. After hanging the towel, he handed a clean one to Austin, who stood before a stool where servants waited for acupuncture treatment.

The scene deeply moved Dominic. He felt an overwhelming emotion, but couldn't speak.

Galen, sensing his presence, looked up and shouted happily, "Grandpa!" He dropped the towel and rushed over.

Dominic bent down, scooped Galen into his arms, and rubbed his bearded face against the boy's cheek. "Hey, little champ!"

Galen giggled, grabbing his grandfather's beard. Dominic smiled, then playfully widened his eyes. "How dare you pull my beard, you little rascal?!"

Galen laughed, tugging and stroking the beard. "Okay, I'll stop now."