My heart started to pick up speed as I stood in the middle of the living room where I spent the vast majority of my childhood. The wall clock ticked as the silence stretched on. I was still facing the hallway, almost afraid to look at Professor Bennett on the couch now that we were alone together.

It was cozy in the small room, with the dark furniture and orange light coming from the small lamp on a side table illuminating the room in a soft glow. It was actually kind of romantic. ...