"Still not speaking, then."
My accuser is doctor Morris Walker, head of legal studies and someone I once thought I was in love with. Morris is renowned for his Casanova exploits and our relationship ended when I realised the rumours about him were true.
"I'm sorry Morris. I never even saw you. . . I've got more important things on my mind." I'm unable to disguise the bitterness I still feel.
"We could talk in my office."
"I don't think so."
"Marilyn, you've still not submitted your proposal yet. . . I can help."
He's right. I've still to decide the subject of my final dissertation and submit my proposal to the board of examiners by 4.00 p.m. next Friday. Whatever else Morris may be, he can usually be relied upon to give good advice.
"I don't know... I was just on my way to 'C' Block. I thought I might get an extension."
"Forget it," he says, "you're too late for that. Come on, we'll sort something out now."
****
It's a short walk from the library to 'G' Block where the Faculty of Law and Business Studies is located. Morris produces a bunch of keys from his pocket, unlocks the door to his office, and ushers me inside.
I sit in one of his chrome and leather chairs and watch as he switches on the electric kettle. His pink shirt is open at the neck and looks as if it hasn't been ironed. His sandy-coloured hair needs cutting. His grey trousers and tan brogues belie his 38 years, but then appearances aren't everything.
"Have you asked for a supervisor yet?" he asks, while spooning coffee into a mug. I'm surprised he even remembers I like just one sugar.
"No," I sigh. "I thought it best to wait until I know exactly what I'm doing."
It takes Morris only minute or so to come up with an idea. "What about the Government's new proposals for asylum seekers? You could always look into that."
I am familiar with the current debate. "Would it matter if I favoured one view over another?" I can hardly believe how simple it sounds.
"Why should it? As long as you present the arguments clearly and give equal weight to both sides..."
"Hmm, maybe I'm just scared because it's the final. You make it sound as though I'm worrying for nothing."
Morris laughs. "That's probably because you are."