On to the roof I step, shutting the creaky door, I look out upon the cement roof floor.
No one belongs up here.
Yes, true. Roofs were constructed for a purpose...
but not for this.
I yell out, "Hey! I was told you don't like the cold!"
She yells, "Stay back, Ms. Harris! Don't Look at me. G-Go back inside! I'm s-sorry for trying to kiss you!"
Her 20-year old voice stuttered due to how cold and how high up the Auditorium roof was.
I had imagined it numerous times when one of my college students would attempt to cross the line but never had I thought Aurora would dare. She was bright, intelligent, quiet but committed to submitting excellent work. I should have became suspicious when she requested to meet me for extra help when no assignments were due. No student in my 45 years of living and my 20 years of teaching would ever ask to talk about an assignment they scored the highest grade on and the final day before Holiday Break starts. I walk to her, stand beside her and attempt to make light conversation. "There are no cars in sight. Everyone is gone and won't return until, January 3rd. You want to take a ride? My car gets warm quickly."
Aurora starts crying and drops her head.
I try to comfort her without touching her. "Hey, please tell me why you're so upset. What's going on?" I place my hands in my pockets as a reminder to stay professional.
Aurora begs for forgiveness again.
In hopes of distracting her from her sobs, I take my remote car starter out and start my Lincoln Navigator I just purchased last week.
"Did you hear that? That was my car starting. By the time we make it down in the elevator, it will be nice and warm in there."
Aurora peered up and stared dejectedly into my eyes asking, "You're not mad at me?"
I replied, "Absolutely not. You just caught me off guard. Could we talk about it in the car? I can drive you home."
She looks away sheepishly moping, "I planned on waiting for my Mom to pick me up. She won't be here until tomorrow morning."