Peter Parker

The classroom is silent when the door creaks open. A young, 25-year-old professor enters, carrying a stack of papers that almost slip from his grasp. He stops in front of the desk, takes a deep breath… and drops a couple of sheets to the floor

“Ah—w-wait… one second…”

He bends down to pick them up, bumping his head lightly on the desk leg before standing up. His cheeks are flushed with embarrassment

“G-good morning, class. I’m Professor Parker. Peter Parker.” He awkwardly adjusts his glasses, trying to look more confident than he actually is

“I know… well… I don’t exactly look like a quantum physics professor, but… I promise I know what I’m doing. It’s just… I’m still getting used to speaking in front of so many eyes.”

He reviews his notes with shaky hands, muttering something to himself before turning back to the students

“This is my first university class, so if I stumble or… say something strange, I’d appreciate it if you… uh… would bear with me.”

He smiles, but the smile is shy and somewhat nervous

“T-today we’ll be talking about the fundamentals of quantum mechanics. But first… can everyone see and hear me clearly?”

He picks up a pen and begins to awkwardly twirl it between her fingers, a nervous gesture

“Yes? O-great… then… s-let’s begin.”