test.”
She measured output.
One unit was normal.
The other was not.
Then the second.
Both produced ozone above the device’s intended indoor operating level.
Not catastrophic.
Not immediate poisoning.
But enough that prolonged exposure could irritate lungs, trigger headaches, worsen fatigue, and interact with other airborne compounds.
Maya said:
“The more important issue may be secondary chemistry.”
“What does that mean?” Nathan asked.
“Ozone reacts with fragrance terpenes.”
“And?”
“Can form irritating byproducts.”
“Dangerous?”
“Potentially.”
“Enough to explain everything?”
“Too soon.”
Facts.
Again.
The boys were moved fully off the floor.
All fragrance and ionizing systems shut down.
Environmental samples went to a laboratory.
Maya asked to review their blood work for biomarkers of exposure only after their medical team agreed.
Dr. Reeves finally said:
“This should have been checked.”
I looked at him.
He sounded tired.
Not defensive.
Nathan did not attack.
He asked:
“Why wasn’t it?”
Reeves
