- Here is your coffee, Karin. And your favorite cake.
- Thanks Anders.
- You are so silent today. Is there something bothering you?
- No, not really. But I've been thinking about us.
- Yes?
- When I arrived here in Uppsala I was totally lost and alone. Then, at the inorganic chemistry course, you turned up.
- I remember. We worked together with the laboratory exercises. And you helped me when I got stuck with the pH equilibrium calculations.
- Yes. I'm a bit more theoretically skilled than you.
- You are. But not on practical lab exercises. Remember the Goldsmith reduction of chromium oxide?
- I would rather forget that.
- Well, you blended the chromium oxide and aluminum powder as you should do. But then you added the booster and ignition chemicals directly in the pot instead of adding them when the pot was placed securely in the reaction shelter. And you walked with your pot through the entire lab to the shelter.
- Yes, I did. The teacher got really scared when he realized that.
- I was happy it didn't ignite in your hands. You might have burnt your hands and lost your eyesight. And I would rather keep all of you. You know, I got so fond of you. Almost immediately.
- And I of you, Anders. But we have never been together just the two of us. There were always other people around.
- Yes, that's true.
- Anders, would you like to follow me home tonight? I have a room to my own in the dormitory.
- Oh yes! I would love to! Really I would!
* * * * *
- Well, Anders, this is my home here in Uppsala. It's a small room, and a little worn down. But I have my own small bathroom and kitchenette. Not all students have that.
- You have some nice flowers there on the table. Do you always have flowers?
- No, just today. I bought them this morning, before the lectures. Would you like some Cointreau? I bought a bottle yesterday.
- I have never tasted it, but I would be happy to try.
- Here you are. Cheers!
- Cheers, Karin. To us!
- Anders, you know what?