Tyler texted me that evening around nine o’clock, letting me know he was at the bar in Old Fourth Ward. We’d agreed that he should let me know his comings and goings, time of arrival and departure from that place so I would know where he was.
I texted “okay, be safe” back to him. It had been a couple of days since I’d spoken to Uncle Ben, so I called him up.
“Ben, old man. How are you?”
His voice was wispy when he replied, “Fine, son.” s**t, he was getting worse.
I pretended good cheer to hide my dread. “Yeah, you sound fine,” I joked.
“You sassing me, boy?” Ben retorted, though without his customary rancor, and my heart was near to breaking.
“No, sir. I’d never dream of back-talking you, ever.” I cleared my throat. “I’m coming up to see you this weekend. Anything you need me to brin
