Chapter 9: The World Learns the Truth
Despite their isolation, the world outside was erupting. Raymond Cross had launched a massive smear campaign through mainstream media, framing Evelyn Vance as a rogue billionaire harboring an unregistered dangerous biological anomaly. Fake reports claimed Toby was carrying an unstable bio-pathogen that cured short-term ailments while causing long-term societal hazards.
Military checkpoints popped up around the metropolitan borders. At the same time, thousands of ordinary people—patients with terminal illnesses, parents of disabled children, and disabled veterans—gathered outside City Hall holding candles and signs that read: *“Let the Miracle Boy Live.”*
Marcus showed Evelyn the broadcast on an encrypted satellite feed.
"Cross is mobilizing a private tactical division," Marcus said. "He wants to capture Toby before the public forces the federal government to intervene. If they lock him in a laboratory, the public will never see him again."
Toby stood beside them, staring at the screen. He saw the crying mothers holding photos of sick toddlers outside City Hall.
"They're crying," Toby whispered. "They think I'm running away."
"You're protecting yourself, Toby," Evelyn said.
May you like
"No," the boy replied, looking directly at both adults. "I'm hiding. That's not the same thing."
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