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“No,”I said, with a flash of anger. “He’s nothere.”

“Oh.”

Arthur gave me an intrigued look.Isighed.

“Itold you, it’s complicated.”

“And it’s beenthirteen years since I’ve seenyou.”

Iknewwhat I was getting myself into, coming down here to find him. It might’ve been a mistake, but it was a mistake I’d made willingly. And despite better judgement, I did want to tell him everything. I could’ve made it easy for the both of us and walked away at that moment. It would’ve been cruel to show up like this and then disappear again without a word, but in the long run doing that would be the wise decision. But I wasn’t making wisedecisions.

After thinking for a moment,I asked, “Do you remember where our spotis?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“Then meet me there. One hour.”

“Fine.”

“Okay.”I looked at him, taking all of him in. I wondered what he’d gone through these past years. Had he suffered like me? Or had he gotten along? I turned toleave.

“Hey,”he said, and I paused. “You aren’t going to disappear, areyou?”

“I’ll be there,”I said. “Our spot. One hour.” And then I turned and left, not lookingback.

Arthur Luna,back in my life. This was not the turn of events I’d beenexpecting.