A veil of hearts

•The last class•

33

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Joshua's POV

The lecture hall feels different today. As I arrange my notes on the podium, I'm acutely aware that this is the last time I'll stand here as their professor. My eyes keep darting to the door, my heart racing with each student who enters. I'm waiting for her.

Finally, Aina walks in, flanked by Bella and Noor, with Liam and Kaif close behind. They take their usual seats, and I feel a pang in my chest. How many times have I seen this exact scene play out? And now, it's the last.

I clear my throat, willing my voice to remain steady. "Good morning, everyone. As you all know, this is our final class together this semester."

The words hang in the air, heavy with significance. I see a mix of emotions on the faces before me - relief, excitement, and perhaps a touch of sadness. But it's Aina's expression I'm most attuned to. Her eyes meet mine for a brief moment, and I see a flicker of... something. Regret? Anticipation? I can't be sure.

As I launched into the lecture, I found myself stealing glances at Aina more often than usual. Each time, I tried to memorize her features, the way she furrowed her brow in concentration, the slight tilt of her head as she took notes. I was acutely aware that this might be the last time I saw her like this—focused, engaged, still somewhat carefree despite the weight of her secrets.

"Miss Yilmaz," I called on her, perhaps more often than I should have. "Can you explain the concept of viral shedding?"

She looked up, surprise flickering across her face before she composed herself. As she answered, her voice growing stronger with each word, I felt a surge of pride. Despite everything she was going through, her knowledge was impeccable.

Each time she spoke, I hung on her every word, not just for the content of her answers, but for the sound of her voice. Would I hear it again after today?

"Excellent, Miss Yilmaz," I said softly, our eyes locking for a moment longer than necessary. "It's crucial to understand how viruses can spread even when symptoms aren't apparent. Sometimes, the most significant threats are the ones we can't immediately see."

The double meaning of my words hung in the air between us. I saw understanding flash in her eyes, followed by a hint of something else - gratitude, perhaps? Or was I just seeing what I wanted to see?

The rest of the lecture passed in a blur. I discussed emerging viral threats, zoonotic spillovers, and the importance of global surveillance systems, but my mind kept drifting to Aina. To the fact that after today, I wouldn't have any more classes with her. The student-teacher relationship that had defined our interactions would be gone, leaving us in uncharted territory.

As the class progresses, I can't help but reflect on our journey. From those first lectures in Almira to our time in Helsinki, and now back here for this final session. How much has changed, not just in their medical knowledge, but in our relationships, in my feelings.

Before I know it, we're in the final minutes of the class. I look out at the sea of faces, my students, soon to be my former students. "As we conclude," I begin, my voice softer than usual, "I want to express how proud I am of each and every one of you. The growth you've shown, the dedication you've exhibited - it's been an honor to be a part of your journey."

My eyes inadvertently find Aina's as I speak these words. For a moment, it feels like we're the only two people in the room. There's so much I want to say to her, so much left unspoken between us. But this isn't the time or place.