Michael Jordan, now a global icon and billionaire, found himself in a familiar but unexpected place in his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina. After a long day of meetings and with the weariness of travel setting in, Michael’s stomach reminded him it had been too long since he’d eaten. He spotted a McDonald’s ahead and decided to stop in. It wasn’t his usual choice, but there was something about being back in his hometown that made him crave the simplicity of the fast food he grew up with. As he entered the bustling restaurant, he kept a low profile, pulling a baseball cap over his eyes to avoid recognition. Yet, even at 61, he couldn’t escape his fame entirely.

Michael joined the line, ordering his usual – a quarter pounder with cheese, fries, and a Coke – and waited for his food. His eyes wandered over the kitchen area, where the staff worked in rhythm, taking orders and preparing meals with practiced ease. Then, something caught his attention. One man stood out among the workers. Tall and lean, his movements were precise, his demeanor exuded strength despite his age. Michael squinted, trying to place him, and then, the recognition hit him like a lightning bolt. It was Leroy Wilson, his long-lost childhood friend. The same Leroy who had taught him how to dribble a basketball between his legs when he could barely hold the ball.

Michael’s heart skipped a beat as memories flooded back. Leroy had been his first true friend, the one who believed in him when others didn’t. Together, they had spent endless hours playing basketball on a cracked court near Leroy’s house. Leroy had always been the better player, quick as water, with moves that seemed effortless. Michael had admired him, looked up to him, and learned from him. But one day, before high school, Leroy had disappeared without a trace. No explanation, no goodbye. He was just gone.

As Michael watched Leroy work, flipping burgers at McDonald’s, the contrast between their lives was staggering. Michael had become one of the most famous basketball players in history, a six-time NBA champion with billions of dollars in his bank account. Leroy, on the other hand, was working a minimum-wage job in the same town where they had once dreamed of making it big in basketball. Michael couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to Leroy, what choices had led him here, and if he ever thought about their shared dream of making it to the NBA.

Leroy moved with dignity, helping his younger coworkers and offering a kind word to a teenager who had dropped a tray of cups. His voice was deeper now, but it still carried the same warmth Michael remembered. He didn’t seem bitter or resentful. Instead, he seemed content with the life he had, working hard and taking pride in what he did. But the questions gnawed at Michael—had Leroy ever played basketball again? Did he have a family? Why had he disappeared all those years ago?

The more Michael watched, the more conflicted he became. He knew he should go over to Leroy, say something, but the words didn’t come. What could he possibly say after all these years? “Hey, remember me? The kid who made it big, while you ended up here?” That didn’t feel right. Leroy deserved more than that.

As the night wore on and Leroy clocked out, Michael made a decision. Tomorrow, he would come back. He would talk to Leroy and find out what had happened to him all these years. He wouldn’t just watch from afar anymore. As Leroy left the restaurant and got into his old blue sedan, Michael felt a sense of urgency, realizing that the opportunity to reconnect with his childhood friend was slipping away. He stayed in his booth, the cold, half-eaten food forgotten, knowing he couldn’t let this moment pass without trying to understand Leroy’s story.

That night, Michael couldn’t sleep. His mind was filled with memories of their time together, from the summer of 1973 when they first met, to the countless hours they spent practicing basketball and dreaming of the future. Leroy had believed in him when no one else did, when Michael didn’t even believe in himself. He remembered the day Leroy had given him a real leather basketball, the pact they made to both make it to the NBA. Michael had kept that promise, but Leroy hadn’t been there to share in the success. The betrayal of his sudden disappearance haunted Michael, and he realized that Leroy had never been forgotten. The bond they shared was still alive in Michael’s heart.

The next day, Michael woke up early. His meetings had been rescheduled, and he felt nervous, like before a big game. Today would be the day he would see Leroy again. He would make sure their shared dreams and promises weren’t left unspoken. He didn’t know what had happened to Leroy, but he knew that, just like their basketball promise, he wouldn’t let their friendship fade away again.