Page 211 - TruthAboutLyingFinal

Nicholas Boothman
“That we’re willing to risk extinction on principle?” Logan’s voice rose. “My daughter is seven years old. You want me to look her in the eye and tell her that Daddy chose moral purity over her survival?”
“I want you to look her in the eye and tell her that humanity chose to be worthy of survival!” Vincent’s voice cracked. “What kind of species do we become if we abandon seven billion people to save ourselves? What kind of father do you become?”
Logan went pale. For a moment, Henry thought he might leave. Instead, he sat down heavily, his head in his hands.
Jinji had been silent through the exchange, her laptop open. Now she looked up.
Vincent stood slowly.
“Do you know what people pray for when the cameras are gone?”
No one answered.
“They do not pray for theology. They do not pray for arguments. They do not pray for perfect systems.”
His eyes moved across the room.
“They pray because their child is sick. “Because the rent is due.
“Because the scan comes back tomorrow. “Because the marriage is breaking.
“Because the grief is too heavy to carry alone.” The room was still.
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