The third paper published in October.
Evie's paper — the second-phase mechanism, the specific cellular process, the data from eighteen months of community practice. Gael Ryn first, Evie second, Nara third. The same order as the second paper. The pattern establishing itself as its own kind of tradition.
Evie texted at seven in the morning: *It's up.*
Then, fifteen seconds later: *THE NORTHERN CORRIDOR REGIONAL BOARD ALREADY EMAILED.*
Then: *I need to sit down.*
Then: *I'M SITTING DOWN.*
Then: *The email says they're updating the community practice protocol effective immediately. Not next quarter. IMMEDIATELY.*
Nara read these in order with her first coffee at the kitchen table, Davan in her lap looking at the steam from the cup with the grey eyes and the cataloguing expression.
She
