The Homecoming Hero Returns. Joan Elliott Pickart

right,” Rachel said, “because even in the short time I’ve been on campus I’ve seen that his approach to his kids hasn’t changed. The summer session students are in and out of here, always welcome, even if it’s just for a need to hang out somewhere if they’re feeling homesick or overwhelmed, or want a place they know they can kick back and rap.” She laughed. “Would you listen to me? Rap? I’m aging myself by opening my mouth. Rap now is music, not conversation.”

      “I repeat,” David said, “lucky students.”

      “Yes,” Rachel said, sighing, “but everything else about our professor is different, and I know I’m sounding like a broken record but it’s sad, it really is. You’ll see for yourself when you meet with him.”

      “Is he in his office?” David said.

      “Not right now,” Rachel said. “He had an appointment with the president of the college board of directors. Some guy named Alex Broadstreet, who wasn’t here when we were. I took the call from that Broadstreet guy. He said he wanted to see Professor Harrison immediately. It wasn’t a nicely scheduled appointment, if you know what I mean. Professor Harrison was very stressed when he left here to answer the summons.

      “That’s why I think something is… No, erase that. I’m overreacting and I said I’d gather more data before I broached the subject of what is bothering the professor besides the death of his wife.”

      “But…” Sandra said.

      “Forget it, Sandra,” David said, smiling. “Rachel’s lips are sealed.”

      “I can’t stand this,” Sandra said, rolling her eyes heavenward. “You’re a mean woman, Rachel. Gorgeous, but mean.”

      “I just don’t want to talk out of turn until I’m sure of what I’m saying, Sandra,” Rachel said. “Okay?”

      “No.” Sandra laughed. “Okay.”

      “Why don’t we go over to the cafeteria in the student union and get a cold drink?” Rachel said. “I want to see pictures of your family, get caught up on news. We three were such close friends and it’s awful that we lost touch. You two dropped out after you got married, I left to get married and…poof…we were gone. We should never have allowed that to happen, but it’s understandable, I guess. We had new, complicated and busy lives.”