A doctor came over. dr. mazur—his nametag hung on a lanyard. He was the exact size and shape of the killer. Izabel tried not to focus on that. She tried to be rational. She told herself, If he was the killer, he wouldn’t be back at work so fast.

“Jana’s eyes are seeing well,” Dr. Mazur said. “She’s out of the woods for any other repercussions from prolonged pollen exposure. We’re going to move her to the children’s wing. Someone will be in touch with you soon about when you can see her.”

Izabel and Kaito nodded, knowing the gravity of what had happened, but Jana yelled out, “I want to stay with them.”

Dr. Mazur said, “That’s not possible—”

“I want to stay with them. I won’t go with you!”

“Please,” he said. “We’re only following the protocols set in place.”

“Get a woman,” Izabel said, realizing Jana had noticed it, too, how Dr. Mazur’s outline matched the one they had seen between the domes.

Kaito understood somehow. He stood up. “Our daughter would be more comfortable with a woman nurse or doctor. This has nothing to do with you, but with what’s best for her. She won’t protest again if you get a woman.”

Dr. Mazur looked at Jana, and she nodded. So he left.

Izabel said, “We’ll come get you soon.”

“You’re not mad?” Jana said.

Izabel shook her head.

Kaito said, “You were very brave and I’m proud of you. But next time we work together.”

A few women staff members came in and wheeled Jana off in her bed.

Izabel got dressed. She and Kaito were asked to wait in what looked like a break room, with a table and chairs and a small fridge.

When Paz came in, Opa was with her.