“Just keeping it real.”

An unpleasant silence fell between them. Derek got up abruptly. “Gotta go,” he muttered. “No more money, okay? Her sister’s accident, or whatever, isn’t your problem.”

His jaw clamped, Gordon walked his son to the front door in silence. Physically they were in proximity, but emotionally they were miles apart. Once Derek had left, Gordon sat at the kitchen table to brood. Who was right here—Gordon or his son? Or maybe it wasn’t an issue of right versus wrong but rather of perspective. Derek was suspicious, cynical, and skeptical. Gordon was accepting, open, and more benevolently inclined. Or was his heady liaison with Josephine coloring his judgment about Helena? Gordon rested his head on his hands and groaned. He was confused, and he knew it.

NINETEEN

February 14

Derek heard a notification from his phone and rolled over on the sofa with a grunt. He’d fallen asleep in front of the TV. He looked at the phone screen: 10:17 p.m. and a text from his father.

Derek, it’s time to do what my soul tells me. Helena and I have talked it over carefully, and the decision is made. I’m texting you from Dulles, about to fly out to Accra, where I’ll be finally meeting Helena tomorrow morning. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but for now, this is our destiny. I am deeply, deeply in love with a very lovely lady. I’ll be fine, son. Take care. Love you.

“What the fuck.” Derek sat up and read the message again. “Dad,” he said, as though Gordon was sitting next to him, “don’t do this.”

Derek tried calling his father and wasn’t surprised that he didn’t pick up. Dad, he thought, have you gone crazy? But then maybe it was Derek being irrational. What if Helena was real? To be fair, besides what Derek had seen on Dad’s Messenger, he hadn’t been privy to their extensive and private conversations.

Perhaps Derek was the one making the mistake. I hope so, he thought. I hope so. But a moment later, he shook his head. This bullshit can’t be real. It’s a con. Derek’s impulse was to shoot his father a what-the-hell-are-you-doing message, but he realized there was no point to that. Dad was gone and for the moment there was nothing Derek could do to get him back. Best to put a more affirmative spin on it.

He picked up his phone again and replied.

Hi, Dad—got your text. Thanks for letting me know. Not sure what phone you’ll be using in Ghana, so I’m emailing. It’s your absolute prerogative to do what you feel is right for you. I know we’ve argued over this, but I still wish you the best and I’m praying your instincts on this are right and mine wrong. Just want you to be careful out there. You, Mom, and I were in Ghana decades ago, but from what I read, a lot has changed in the country since then. Please, please let me know how you’re doing or if you need anything. You know I’ll do my best for you. Text me asap. Take care. Love ya.