In Dupont Circle, there are a few stone tables carved to look like chess boards.   There are also several wooden benches lining the walkway that crisscrosses the circle, where the homeless sleep and rest.  One of these is claimed by a man dressed in a threadbare pea coat and faded workpants.  He has a long dark beard and carries a large pack on his back.  His face is gaunt and his eyes are preternaturally sharp.  He calls himself Ivan.

If you linger by the chess tables, he may engage you in conversation.  You will be amazed to find Ivan knows certain things about you that no one else may know, or things that only those you hold most dear would realize.  When you ask him how he knows these things, he will purse his lips and shrug.   You will get no more out of him.