deficiency, and evidence of chronic inflammatory stress.”
“From the air?”
“Possibly partly.”
“And the weakness?”
Reeves answered.
“Likely multifactorial.”
Nathan leaned back.
He hated that word.
I could see it.
Reeves continued.
“Reduced activity over two years caused deconditioning. Some medications contributed to fatigue. Sleep was poor. Appetite declined.”
A cascade.
Again.
Not one mysterious disease.
An environment making them feel unwell.
Then less movement.
Then poor appetite.
Then deficiencies.
Then more treatment.
Then more fatigue.
The system feeding itself.
Nathan looked at Mrs. Bennett.
“Why did you install all of this?”
Her eyes filled.
“The boys’ mother.”
The room stopped.
Nathan stared.
“What?”
Mrs. Bennett swallowed.
“After Catherine died, the rooms smelled like the hospital.”
I finally had the boys’ mother’s name.
Catherine.
Nathan’s face changed completely.
“You installed the system after Catherine died?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“You could not stand the smell.”
He went still.
She continued.
“The boys
