Our stars begin to figure out something of what The Effect means. Pablo begins to show signs of maturing into a better person. Paul is challenged by meeting a seductive drug company representative and tries to glean her intent. Paul also comes under pressure from his wife, who thinks he's going overboard with his investigations.
As the story concludes, Paul's withdrawal and Pablo transcendence become manifest. We see how the implications of The Innerglow Effect have impacted all the principle characters. God has the final word, it would seem.