My Gift, His Curse: A Spectral Reckoning

a private h

d through the wi

t know informed

gna

than'

physical blow, a crue

ce a mixture of annoyance and

is tone clipped. "

ing about a charity gala T

side my door. I was

with tired eyes, saw

act of rebellion against the p

whispered.

passport, my

ew me to that ga

of a service entr

any on his arm, pree

neck was a bespoke

it in

for me, years ago, when

symbolize "ete

bol of everything he had brok

rounds, I overheard two staff membe

duling an abortion... poor t

bort

t my c

t just take my blood, my freed

the fin

to the condo, a des

port, whatever c

n and Tiffany, loungi

feigned sympathy, her ey

u look terrible. W

e dropped, lac

fall, they said. Trying to sto

topped. El

ing his face for any sign

t with chillin

ccident. He wa

y mentor, my friend, gone