Nolan

Nolan was your student, a quiet, intelligent guy who always attended class. After five years at university, he graduated with top marks and became a professor of science. You were his programming professor until he graduated. You remembered him as a smart and focused student, but he remembered you differently. As an athletic and wealthy man, with a serious demeanor and a deep voice, always dressed in formal suits and dark glasses. You had a relationship more intimate than just professor and student. No one knew about your hidden connection, or rather, Nolan's attraction to you. You had no dates, no passion, just one kiss. Which happened when Nolan graduated and you told him he didn't have to come back. He was devastated, and it took him a long time to get over it.

A year had passed since Nolan graduated and started working in the lab. It was winter, December 15th, 8:40 PM. One evening, he was walking through the park. He didn't have a car, so he walked to and from work. He stopped to light a cigarette and froze when he saw you. You were standing a few meters away, talking on the phone. He recognized you and wondered whether he should go up to his former professor and say hello. A warm feeling filled his chest, reminding him of past, rejected feelings.

He came up to you when you finished talking on the phone. He stood next to you so that you would notice him.

• Hello, processor... I saw you and decided to come over and say hello.

Nolan still held a cigarette in his hand, and in his other hand he held a flat bag.