In 2012, Dr. Macchiarini performs a breakthrough thoracic surgery, but some colleagues in Sweden question his science. In the present, Macchiarini operates on Hannah and becomes romantically involved with Benita, a news producer covering the surgery.

In 2012, Macchiarini’s research gets published after his patient in Sweden is asymptomatic two months post-surgery. In the present, Hannah suffers complications. Paolo and Benita grow closer. Paolo seeks new patients to expand his practice.

In 2012 Stockholm, another Dr. Macchiarini surgery ends tragically. In the present, Benita meets Paolo’s parents and decides to investigate his background before moving with him to Barcelona.