At the gym, still on the Sun Hill Estate, Nat stared at himself in the wide mirror. Reflected behind him, he could see other figures in the room, devotedly lifting weights.He shook hands with a few familiar faces.“Casper!” Nat called.“Waddup, gee,” came the reply. Casper was a large man, a solid hunk of muscle. His beard almost covered his mouth, sweat clinging to it like droplets cascading down a car window. His eyes were wide, bulging, almost frog-like.“Man, how’s life? The firm? We don’t see you around much,” Casper said, his thick Ebonics accent coloring every word.“Life happens, bro. Business. Been flying in my toys lately,” Nat laughed—a rich, comfortable laugh. He almost added, *“but we ain’t that close,”* yet held back.Casper chuckled and looked around, scanning the gym as if searching for someone. Nat shook his head, smiling at his friend’s energy.He began his routine: cardio, stretches, light jogging, skipping, muscle flexibility work, then the treadmill, followed by
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