The glittering lights of Boston speckle the passenger side's window as Harlan drives me downtown to the hotel that is hosting the event. Harlan is perfectly pleasant during the ride, a step up from his usual brooding self. The man even smiles while I talk, filling me in on his relief of getting the publication sent out, how excited he is to see his colleagues tonight, and how he is happy to finally be sleeping again. It is a relief seeing him like this; any reminders that the man is an actual human are much appreciated.
Once we arrive, he takes me in once more, eyes falling down my body and back up as he helps me out of the car.
And then, he drops his hand and I understand immediately.
From here-on out, we are strictly professor and assistant, mentor and student. We both keep our hands
