Read Chapter 20: — THE LECTURE

Daniel's hospital teaching sessions became unexpectedly popular.

He used real cases, stripped of identifying details, and made the room commit to a differential diagnosis before revealing outcomes.

"You don't learn by watching me be right," he told trainees. "You learn by noticing why a reasonable idea became wrong."

Cross attended almost every session.

Sometimes to challenge him.

Sometimes, increasingly, to learn.

Then one evening a group of protesters entered a lecture after an online rumour claimed nuclear medicine was exposing children to dangerous radiation without consent.

A tomato flew toward the stage and burst against the wall.

Security intervened before anyone was hurt.

Clara wanted Daniel to stop the public sessions.

He refused.

"Fear grows where explanation leaves a vacuum."

"And if someone throws something worse next time?"

Daniel looked at the stain on the wall.

"Then we improve security and keep explaining."

Clara hated that answer because it sounded exactly like the man she loved.