BROTHER MUSA CALLED AN EMERGENCYmeeting of the BOA after hearing of the latest threat to Golden Crescent. This time my mother—a popular, though mostly absent, member—was in attendance. Everyone was curious to hear what she had to say, and they weren’t disappointed. She had even prepared a handwritten speech.
“We have lived here and raised our families in this neighbourhood for decades,” she said, clutching her lined paper, voice steady. “I have known most of you for over fifteen years, and though we come from different parts of the world, we know what hatred can do. Many of us have witnessed first-hand the effects of anger, violence, and bloodshed back home. We cannot allow that same hatred here on our street. We must push back against those who want us to feel afraid in our own homes. We are a part of this neighbourhood, this city, this country, just as much as anybody else. It is time to make our presence known.”
By the end of the meeting, a dozen businesses had confirmed their participation in the street festival. A few held back, particularly the newer ones, but the response was better than I had dared hope.
I hugged her afterwards. “You’re amazing,” I said.
Mom shrugged. “Might as well end our time here with a big splash.”
My heart sank. I knew what she was hinting at, and wondered what new secrets were about to be revealed.
I sent Aydin another text, filling him in on the challenge ahead. I wasn’t sure if he would receive or respond, but I wanted him to know anyway.
I MESSAGED STANLEYP—I missed him and wanted to hear his thoughts.
AnaBGR
How do you know if someone is ghosting you?
StanleyP
Uh-oh. Did Mr. Unexpected Source mysteriously vanish? Or perhaps... HE NEVER REALLY EXISTED AT ALL!
AnaBGR
I’m so glad we’re friends.
StanleyP
You’re lucky to have me. Now back to your imaginary boy toy...
AnaBGR
He’s not my boy toy, or my boyfriend, or anything like that.
StanleyP
This sounds more and more like a stalker/stalkee situation. Are you positive he didn’t go into witness protection?
AnaBGR
I’m logging off.
StanleyP
Wait, I’ll be serious. You’re being ghosted if he drops off the planet without a word and doesn’t respond to texts or phone calls, no matter how dire. If some guy did this to you, I need his name. He’s got a strongly worded email heading his way. Also some malware for good measure. Mess with a bot’s best friend, you get the virus.
AnaBGR
Thanks, Mr. P. I like you too.
StanleyP
Stop it, you’re making the bot blush.
AnaBGR
You’re in a good mood.
