That moment needed no lab report. Caleb’s identity was confirmed through memory, both emotional and procedural. Helen documented it for the official record, though words felt inadequate. In that instant, Caleb Ward existed again, not as a number, but as a man with history, and a warning no one had fully heard yet.
From then on, Rachel rarely left his side. She spoke softly about their childhood, their parents, the years she spent emailing police and universities before giving up. At first, he only managed her nickname and scattered syllables. But the longer she talked, the more his speech began to lengthen around her voice.