It was one of those days when the sky cleared in the middle of a snowy day, birds peeking out and kids frowning at the thought of resuming class. An undisturbed calmness hung around the UJFL campus. One could find very few students outside their classes after 10, because 10-12 were the optional lectures fondly called the 'breathing lectures'. They were practical lectures given by 'cool lecturers' rather than the usual Brainiac elders.
"Chaos is simply confusion, but on a deeper level we recognize chaos as lack of structure, order or comfort. Our brain registers it as 'something that needs to be taken care of' while our mind relates to it as an 'annoyer' that could disturb our comfort space." Allie's voice echoed through the cold lecture hall of UJFL's third floor. It held an air of command that demanded attention and a chill ran through the students who were simply out enjoying the breathing space between there classes. They knew Allie as the tough professor who would flip anyone off, even the dean himself. But she was also revered for standing up for her students, against their parents and the Education committee. Their respect for her is too strong that some even wants to be like her. They have always wondered why she would teach a subject like Information Processing. It's like Latin, a dead subject. The course was mandatory in their first year and optional in second and third years. But after the first year, students were pushing to get into her lectures making it yet another core subject with time. She is clear with what she wants in her professional life and is upfront in confessing things to people and is not afraid to be blunt. She simply believes that everything is earned and nothing is free.
"They say that she is an orphan from a rich family. Her parents died overseas." Student A said to passerby Student B.
"No wonder she is all serious and no smiles. Last time I heard that she is single because she doesn't believe in family relations." Student B shared.
"It's a pity, such a beautiful and educated woman but no loved ones." They remarked. It was indeed a pity for someone like Allie to be alone. An overflowing bank balance and glowing academic degrees or badges of youngest professor did not fill the emptiness inside her.
Inside the lecture hall, a girl raised her hand- question.
"Proceed." Allie's voice followed.
"On a mundane situation how would one know that chaos is created?" The girls asked.
"It's like a paper boat placed on a still water and a pebble being thrown in there. The disturbance of the undisturbed where you are forced to re-examine your comfort zone." She replied.
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At a distance someone was getting ready to disturb Allie's perfectly crafted 'life'. He righted his Windsor knot and the black of his watch. This was his first day at the new job, a consultant, from an on field overseas reporter to a university teacher. Looking around the long, vaulted hallway he found himself surrounded by legends and renowned students and alumnus of the university.
"Professor Rivers!!!" The Dean's friendly and inviting voice rang in the hallway. "I was about to greet you at the gate with Professor Heights. Her lecture is about to be done. I hope you had a wonderful flight."
"I did sir, thank you." His voice cracked in awe, but he managed to finally tell them.
"Please it's Dean to you, or Mr. Endo." Mr. Endo adjusted his hair and began walking while he followed.
"I'll introduce you to Professor Heights, she is the favorite among out students. You'll be staying at her place until you can officially move to the staff accommodation." Mr. Endo informed tapping his glasses.
"Professor Heights doesn't stay here?" He inquired.
"No, she prefers her home. It was hard convincing her to accommodate you. No offense but she is cautious around strangers."
"Understandable" He knew what it was like to be around strangers since he travelled a lot.
Turning after a number of corridors, Mr. Endo stopped near a closed hall that held the sign 'SPECIAL LECTURE - HEIGHTS'. The door to the hall opened and his heart stopped for a moment. Breath caught in his throat, hands froze by his side, snow falls in his guts, and pain in his heart.
SHE WAS HERE, AFTER ALL THESE YEARS.