Thursday, October 27, 2016 (10/76)

The sun is just beginning to rise, bathing the university campus in a soft golden light. I walk through the central garden, its vibrant flowers gently swaying in the morning breeze. The tranquility of the morning soothes my thoughts as I head towards the administrative building.

I reach the second floor and enter my office. As soon as I settle in, a wave of satisfaction washes over me. The morning interactions with students and colleagues are often intense but deeply rewarding. Today is no exception, and I feel a genuine sense of gratitude for this calling that gives my life purpose.

At 1:00 PM, I head to the university restaurant. Conversations and laughter fill the air, creating a familiar and comforting atmosphere.

I quietly sit at a table and eat while observing the interactions around me. That's when Doctor Jorge arrives. His entrance is marked by an aura of calm and respectability. He approaches my table, his lunch tray in hand, and sits down across from me with a warm smile.

— Me: Doctor Jorge.

— Doctor Jorge: Yes, it's me. Why did you isolate yourself today?

— Me: I wanted some quiet.

— Doctor Jorge: Oh, me too, which is why I joined you.

— Me: Alright.

— Doctor Jorge: How do you find your Provençal ratatouille with grilled polenta, Theresa?

— Me: Please, call me Sister.

— Doctor Jorge: More seriously, I'd like your opinion on this dish since we both chose the same main course.

— Me: Personally, I think this dish is a real treat for the senses. The ratatouille reminds me of family meals, where each vegetable is carefully chosen to create a harmony of flavors.

— Doctor Jorge: Wow, you fascinate me even more. It's true, ratatouille has that comforting and warm quality. And the polenta, it's a nice rustic touch. It must bring an interesting contrast to the softness of the vegetables.

— Me: Well, I've finished.

— Doctor Jorge: I'm finished too. Let's go.

But before we can leave the table, Marta calls out to him in a soft but worried voice.

— Marta: Jorge, you haven't finished your meal. Where are you going?

I lower my head slightly, feeling a hint of embarrassment for Jorge. The scene feels almost maternal, and I can't help but feel a certain discomfort for him. I get up calmly, placing my tray in the cutlery area, and head towards the restaurant exit. I pick up the pace slightly, trying to avoid a potentially awkward confrontation.

— Doctor Jorge: Theresa? Sister!

Why is he shouting when I'm right here? I turn slightly, waiting for him while continuing to walk towards the administrative building. Jorge quickly catches up to me, his expression sincere and slightly worried.

— Doctor Jorge: Please forgive me for earlier. I just want to be a good friend. Please don't put a barrier between us.

I smile gently, my eyes reflecting deep compassion.

— Me: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Once you've accepted Him into your life, then we can be friends.

Jorge seems perplexed, his questioning gaze fixed on me.

— Doctor Jorge: How do I do that? I've never heard of Him, I don't know Him.

— Me: Are you serious?

— Doctor Jorge: Yes, you know very well that Saber is a town without a church, but who cares about that?

I feel a wave of sadness for him. We are now in the elevator, silently going up to the second floor. I think for a moment, carefully weighing my words.

— Me: Hmm, how about taking some classes to learn about Christ and what wonderful things He has done for us? I'll teach you what little I know if you're interested, Doctor.

Jorge nods, a shy smile lighting up his face.

— Doctor Jorge: Alright, thank you, that sounds great. When and where?

— Me: In my office. I'll send you my schedule by email so you can make an appointment once a week.

— Doctor Jorge: Oh, I'll be your student, and you'll be my teacher?

— Me: If you keep that up, I'll withdraw my offer, and there'll be no lessons.

— Doctor Jorge: Sorry.

We arrive on the second floor, and I exit the elevator, heading towards my office. I sit down in my comfortable chair, letting out a sigh of relief. But I barely have time to settle in when a familiar voice comes from the doorway.

— Me: Yes, what can I do for you?

— Doctor Jorge: There are still a few minutes left before the end of the break, and I'd rather spend them with you. You intrigue me, Theresa.

— Me: Sister.

— Doctor Jorge: Theresa.

— Me: Sister.

— Doctor Jorge: Theresa Rodriguo.

— Me: Okay, you win.

— Doctor Jorge: Yes! Alright, I'll leave you alone now. Until next time, Theresa.

— Me: Yes, until next time.

I watch him leave the room with a strange feeling of a budding camaraderie, wondering what the days ahead will bring.