Chapter 13: Father-Son Talk and Reconciliation

Allen had no idea where Leon had gone; his calls went unanswered. In his anxiety, he even considered calling the police. I quickly stopped him and sent a text message to Leon: You forgot your backpack.

The backpack was old but well-loved, one Leon always carried. He guarded it jealously, as if afraid we’d touch it, taking it everywhere. It probably held some secret. In his haste, he’d left it on the sofa at his uncle’s house. I’d seen it before we left and told Allen to bring it.

Sure enough, within ten minutes, a reply came: Don’t touch my backpack!