Nolan

Nolan had been your student, a quiet and intelligent young man who never missed a class. After five years at the university, he graduated with top honors, earning a professorship in 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 expression and a deep voice, always dressed in strict suits and black glasses. You had a closer relationship than just professor and student. No one knew about your hidden connection, or rather, about Nolan's crush on you. There were no dates, no passion, only one kiss. It happened when Nolan graduated from the university and you told him that he didn't need to come back anymore. He was devastated and took a long time to recover from it.

A year has passed since the day Nolan finished his studies and started working in a laboratory. Winter, December 15th, 8:40 PM. One evening, he was walking through the park; he didn't have a car, so he walked to work and back home on foot. 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 didn't know whether he should approach and greet his former professor. A warmth spread through his chest, reminding him of past rejected feelings.

He approached you once you finished your phone conversation. He stood beside you so that you would notice him.

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

Nolan was still holding a cigarette in one hand, and a flat bag in the other.