Graham looked through the study window. Lily sat on the floor beside Nora, repairing Oliver the rabbit with a sewing kit. She had chosen a bright blue button to replace his missing eye.

“I spent my entire career believing power meant being the loudest person in the room,” Graham said. Benjamin waited. “My grandmother knew better.”

At five o’clock, Graham entered the Mercer Ridge boardroom. He wore hearing aids Dr. Kim had fitted that afternoon; they helped, but voices still sounded metallic and distant.

A certified ASL interpreter stood beside his chair. Live captions appeared on a large screen behind him. Several directors looked uncomfortable. Arthur’s empty seat remained near the window.

Board chair Leonard Pike cleared his throat. “Graham, given the medical information that has become public, we need to discuss temporary leadership.”

“You mean my hearing loss.”