The invitation arrives on a Tuesday.
Boston University.
Alumni distinguished speaker series.
Topic: Ethics in Modern Philanthropy.
It is not a scandal invite.
It is not a gossip column request.
It is academic.
Professional.
Respectful.
I hold the paper in my hand.
The letterhead is familiar.
The font is the same.
The city is the same.
But I am not.
Marcus sees me staring.
You are going.
It is not a question.
I look at him.
I do not know.
It is Boston.
Yes.
It is where it started.
Yes.
He takes the paper from me.
Reads it.
Sets it down.
You do not have to go.
I know.
But I want to.
He studies my face.
Why.
To see if the ghosts are still there.
He nods slowly.
And if they are.
Then I will say hello.
And keep walking.
He smiles faintly.
Then we will go.
W
