Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart

Doty returns to the place Cactus Rabbit Magic Shop had once been only to find it gone. His attempts to track down Neil are likewise unsuccessful. Disappointed, Doty walks past the apartment building where he and his family used to live, questioning what he thought he would accomplish by returning to Lancaster.

Taking out his notes on Ruth’s lessons, Doty considers two phrases he had underlined: “compass of the heart” and “what you think you want isn’t always what’s best for you” (224, 225). He remembers Ruth advising him to use his heart as a guide when setting his intention, and he now realizes that in neglecting to do that, he has consistently pursued the wrong goals.

The next morning, Doty receives a phone call from his lawyer informing him that, due to a clerical error, the Accuray stocks were never placed in a charitable trust. Promising to call back, Doty considers the implications of going back on his promise to donate the stocks and practices opening his heart. He then contacts the lawyer and tells him to finalize the paperwork.

Doty feels an immediate sense of relief and decides to return to his medical practice.