After more than a year and a half, the project was finally completed. It ran alongside his sabbatical and even went on longer by a year. They had not only successfully reencoded the receptors but also triggered the desired hormesis.
The results had been better than they expected, and the larvae were thriving in their cages. Ryan liked to watch them during feeding sessions as they ambushed small snails and worms. They were developing well and fast.
Now all they had to do was wait 2 to 4 years for the larvae to grow into adulthood to see the result of their work. IT was finally time for Ryan to return. His heart raced, part of it from excitement, part from fear.
He didn't know if he would ever see Carl again.
That uncertainty followed him through the airport, lingering even as he checked in his luggage, passed through security, and boarded the plane.
"Have a pillow." Anthony handed over a neck pillow.
