Recalling a Stranger

The morning serenity is interrupted by the sound of the alarm clock. Upon waking up, Iker experiences an unfamiliar feeling of discomfort. Although naturally optimistic, a foul mood overtakes him, casting a shadow over his usual cheerfulness.

With a rough toss, he silences the alarm and fills the room with tense silence. Despite wanting to cling to those scarce moments of tranquility in which he feels secure, he knows he can’t afford to stay in bed any longer.

Reluctantly, he gets up, noticing how the walls seem to tremble as a reflection of his own emotional state. Although difficult, it’s important to remember that each new day is an opportunity to progress and move forward in life.

He quickly dresses and prepares to face the day. However, being late out of bed triggers a series of events that unfold rapidly, leaving him with little time to reach his law school, where he is in his third year.

He’s running late, as expected, on the first day of the new semester. In his rush to make it on time, he enters the bathroom like a tyrannosaurus rex, leaving chaos and disorder in his wake. The bathroom seems to bear the brunt of his destructive mark as he stumbles over objects and knocks things down.

Despite the rush and apparent catastrophe, Iker takes his time to tidy up. He approaches the mirror and sees a guy with tousled brown hair, honey-colored eyes shining with determination, and a height of approximately 170 centimeters.

He starts grooming meticulously with surprising calmness. With quick movements of his hands, he fixes his tousled hair while strands resist staying in place. Then, he splashes his face with water, allowing the coolness to awaken him and give him a touch of vitality.

Despite everything, he maintains a calm and composed attitude. Even in the midst of chaos, his meticulous focus on every detail gives the impression that he has all the time in the world. He ensures he looks presentable by adjusting his clothes carefully before stepping out of the bathroom with determination.

Although the morning didn’t start well, he tackles the day with a resilient and confident attitude. Despite being late and causing temporary devastation, he remains optimistic, aware that each new day brings opportunities and exciting experiences.

Iker steps out of the bathroom with his perfectly styled brown mane, even with a slight casual touch, and a playful smile drawn on his face, ready to face the first day of classes. He decided to take an additional moment to ensure he dresses correctly, aware of the importance of the moment. Although he generally doesn’t care much about fashion, on this special occasion, it’s important for him to pay more attention. He chooses dark boots that enhance his slender figure as he slips into tight jeans, adding a touch of mystery to his look. To complete his outfit, he wears a lucky t-shirt with a cheerful drawing of SpongeBob that reflects his youthful and mischievous spirit. To shield himself from the morning chill, he puts on a bottle-green jacket that highlights his tan skin and adds a sophisticated touch to his casual style.

Although some might consider his choice of clothing peculiar, he feels comfortable and confident in his outfit. He doesn’t worry about what others think, knowing that his authenticity is more important than temporary trends. He is prepared to face the day with confidence and a relaxed attitude, showcasing his unique style to the world.

He notices that the day is in his favor as he looks in the mirror. A sunny sky stretches above him, and although the temperature isn’t warm enough for short sleeves, the gentle breeze provides a pleasant sensation. Today is September 15th, a new beginning on his path to becoming a lawyer.

Sure that it will be a great day, he grabs his backpack and leaves his apartment, leaving the mess in the bathroom behind.

He rushes down the stairs of his house and enters the kitchen with the force of a bull leaving the pen. With its white furniture and minimalist design, the kitchen creates a modern and spacious atmosphere. Heading straight to the kitchen table, he circles the large central island and finds a glass of milk waiting for him by the window overlooking the garden.

He grabs the glass of milk without wasting time and drinks it in one gulp to quench his morning thirst. Then, he goes to the plate where his mother has put a buttered toast especially for him. He takes a bite without delicacy, leaving half of the toast on the plate.

Carmen, Iker’s mother, looks at him in astonishment as he walks away, but she doesn’t feel the need to scold him or say anything. She knows her son well and knows it would be futile to try to stop him or even give him a goodbye kiss. She chooses to remain silent, trusting that he will be able to arrive on time and face the day his way. Carmen, with her wavy brown hair framing her face, is slightly taller than Iker. As she watches her son’s energetic movements, her dark eyes reflect a mixture of affection and concern. Although her facial expression may seem grumpy at times, those who know her know that she is actually a loving woman dedicated to her family.

Carmen was about to say something, but then she changes her mind and makes a gesture of reluctance. She knows her son has his own way of doing things and that she wouldn’t achieve anything by trying to interfere with his pace. She is a understanding and patient mother, ready to listen to Iker and offer him advice or comfort in difficult times.

As for her appearance, Carmen’s style reflects her age and way of life. She cares about her personal appearance and dresses appropriately for every occasion, selecting clothes that are stylish yet comfortable. Her concern for how she looks isn’t superficial but a manifestation of her desire to take care of herself and project a positive image for her family.

Carmen plays a fundamental role in Iker’s life as a mother. She is always ready to provide emotional support, being a loving and protective maternal figure. She is willing to offer guidance and advice to help him in his growth and development, showing concern for his well-being.

Although the way Iker leaves the kitchen may seem abrupt and a bit chaotic, both he and his mother understand each other. They know that he is an unstoppable force of energy and that he will continue to move forward regardless of the circumstances. Iker launches himself into the world with his independent and determined attitude, ready to face challenges and seize the opportunities that the day presents.

He runs firmly, without looking back, experiencing the excitement coursing through his body. As he kicks in the air, he releases his excess energy by forcefully hitting the ground with his feet. Iker is full of enthusiasm and vitality, eager to discover what the day has in store for him. With each step he takes, he distances himself from his home, prepared to confront the world with courage and resolution.

Iker advances with determination and speed through the streets illuminated by the morning sun. Radiant golden rays seep between the buildings, forming a beautiful contrast of lights and shadows in his wake. His face is caressed by the gentle breeze, bringing with it the fresh morning scent. He enjoys every breath, experiencing how it rejuvenates his senses and fills him with vitality.

As he progresses, he immerses himself in the hustle and bustle of the busy city. The sounds of cars, people laughing on the streets, and the quick tapping of executives’ heels blend together to form an urban symphony that accompanies his stride. As he moves forward, his attention is fleetingly drawn to the tempting colors and shapes displayed in the shop windows.

With vibrant intensity, the sun illuminates his path, painting the facades of buildings with warm tones and highlighting architectural details. The shadows of the trees dance cheerfully on the sidewalks, creating small fresh oases amidst the urban bustle.

Iker immerses himself in this atmosphere brimming with life, fully enjoying each moment. Looking curiously at the unfamiliar faces he encounters along his way, he imagines the stories and dreams they carry. He’s aware that at every corner of the city lies a universe to discover, experiences to live, and people to meet.

His hair is caressed by the breeze while his eyes fill with sparks of joy and anticipation in the sunlight’s reflection. With each step, he perceives how the city pulses with its own rhythm, urging him to delve into its charms and opportunities. Iker dives into this urban symphony, absorbing the energy of the environment and ready to face the day with passion and determination.

As he heads to law school, Iker comes across familiar faces and greets some classmates who are also heading in his direction. The feeling that this will be a special day is reinforced by the lively conversations and the energy-filled atmosphere.

With each step, he gets a little closer to his goal of becoming a lawyer. Despite knowing that the road won’t be easy, he is determined to overcome any obstacle in his quest for knowledge and justice.

As he hurries towards law school, he encounters Laura, his classmate and lifelong friend. Since childhood, they have shared many experiences that have left a significant mark on their personalities. Laura and Iker share a similar character, making it easy for them to get along and understand each other in many situations. He’s shorter than Laura, with wavy brown hair. His friend also has a laid-back attitude towards fashion, like him, and accentuates her dark hair with her eyes. Laura is a close friend with whom he shares a long history of friendship, who has a frank and direct attitude. Their complicit relationship persists, as they have been classmates since childhood, so some of Iker’s behavior has rubbed off on her, and she tends to be late as well.

He tells her with an expression that reflects a certain lack of remorse,

“I overslept, Laura.” Laura responds with a smile as they look at each other and share a knowing laugh - “Same goes for you.”

They both know they’re not very punctual, but it doesn’t stop them from enjoying their friendship and having fun with their antics. Although they had setbacks at the beginning of the day, their connection and complicity helped them to take it in stride.

Iker and Laura continue on their way to law school with laughter and complicity, knowing they can always count on each other despite delays and distractions. Their friendship always brings them joy and support, and together they can overcome any challenge they encounter in both their academic and personal lives. Iker and Laura are prepared to face the day with determination, supporting each other thanks to their lighthearted attitude and shared laughter.

Finally, the two arrive at their class, where the hustle and bustle fill them with enthusiasm. Iker enters the room with a smile, ready to start his third year of university. He greets certain classmates very affectionately, whom he has already studied with the previous year, hugging and kissing them as if they had been apart for a long time.

In the classroom, there’s a great noise with laughter and voices mingling in a chorus of excitement and emotion. The students reflect joy and eagerness to share their experiences from the last month of summer on their smiling faces. The room seems to overflow with stories, imbuing the atmosphere with vibrant and contagious energy.

In the air, tales of travels resonate, with exotic destinations and adventures in distant places. There are stories of paradisiacal beaches where turquoise water caresses the feet and the sun tans the bodies. Some speak of imposing mountains that challenged their physical limits and rewarded them with spectacular views. When someone shares funny anecdotes about local cuisine or unexpected situations during their journeys, laughter erupts.

Summer loves, fleeting romances that arise in casual encounters and disappear with the summer glow, are frequently mentioned. Whispers of stories of stolen kisses on the beach, romantic sunset strolls, and bittersweet goodbyes linger in the air. Each of them holds in their heart a small memory of that unforgettable summer, full of brief but intense encounters.

Although the students have different personalities and backgrounds, the classroom becomes a place where experiences are shared. An atmosphere of complicity is established that dissipates differences among them. They know that each person brings a unique and valuable perspective, enriching the diversity of stories interwoven in that place.

For Iker, this atmosphere of friendship and support is a comforting balm. He can rely on his classmates to celebrate achievements, receive support in difficult times, and be together during this university stage. The first day of class is an opportunity to strengthen those bonds and remember that, despite having their own paths to tread, they are never alone. In the classroom, laughter intertwines with whispers of adventures and the beats of hearts full of enthusiasm, becoming a magical setting. Iker feels grateful to be part of this group of friends, knowing that his university experience benefits from each of the voices and shared experiences in that environment.

With renewed vigor and a sense of excitement in the air, he and his classmates prepare to face the academic challenges that await them in their third year of university studies. Despite differences and difficulties, they know they have a strong bond that gives them the support to overcome any challenge.

As he watches Raúl, his new civil law professor, enter the room, he sits stunned in the front row of the classroom. As Raúl begins to speak and introduce himself in class, time seems to slow down for him. Raúl gives the impression of being a calm and well-educated individual, kind and cultured. The new professor captivates the entire class, as well as him, who can’t help but gaze at him in awe.

It’s when someone realizes the meaning of the word “crush,” falling in love with someone without having spoken to them. That feeling is given the name “love at first sight.” As Raúl continues to speak, Iker’s mind begins to wander, and he finds himself fantasizing about Raúl. Can you imagine what it would be like if Raúl weren’t your professor, but a potential romantic partner? Raúl’s captivating personality and behavior, exuding tranquility and serenity, attract him.

However, within these daydreams, he easily identifies the boundaries between a student and a teacher. He understands the importance of maintaining a professional relationship in the academic environment and separating his personal desires from the classroom dynamic.

Although he continues to think of Raúl with attraction and admiration, he remains focused on his studies and respects the professional relationship between them. He acknowledges Raúl’s qualities as a teacher and admits that their interactions should be limited to the educational sphere.

There were no out-of-place interruptions this year, unlike in previous years, which helped the class proceed smoothly and the students feel excited. Also, the maturation of the students influenced the good atmosphere of the class.

As the class ended, the students started to leave without much noise, as usual. Iker remained entranced, gazing at his new professor; however, he didn’t realize that everyone had already left. Raúl noticed the situation and signaled to him that he could go, as the class had finished.

At that moment, he felt a little embarrassed by the situation, but he also appreciated Raúl’s attention and consideration. Feeling nervous and following the cliché of a romantic movie, he clumsily drops all his books to the floor. Both of them began to pick up the books, engaging in a short conversation that made Iker feel that Raúl could be more special in his life besides his role as a teacher.

Raúl asks if everything is okay, noticing the discomfort of this person.

Iker stutters, saying “It’s...it’s...great, thank you.”

Raúl responds, winking at him conspiratorially, saying “See you in the next class.”

Receiving Raúl’s gesture, he feels surprised and experiences a slight blush on his cheeks, but also a palpable excitement. Both are aware of the need to maintain a professional relationship between student and teacher; however, the brief exchange of looks and words has generated complicity between them. Before leaving the classroom, he quickly picks up his books and says goodbye to Raúl. As he reaches the door frame, he looks back at him once more, feeling compelled to do so despite knowing that he is being watched and will notice it, but he feels like he has fallen in love. How many times does one fall in love in a day? He repeatedly wonders to himself. Raúl, turning around, waves and greets with his hand. When he crosses the door, he puts his hands on his head and starts to feel so ridiculous that he curses himself repeatedly.

While wandering the hallways of the university, his head fills with thoughts and confusing emotions. He tries to keep his distance and focus on his studies, but he can’t help feeling a special attraction towards his professor.

Preparing to face the challenge of maintaining an appropriate relationship in the academic environment, his heart beats rapidly. Despite the uncertainty of the future, Iker is filled with a combination of excitement and nervousness at the promise of having another class with Raúl, and he wonders what awaits them in destiny.

He catches up with Laura since she left earlier. He searches among the crowd and sees her uniform in the distance, running through the people pushing without looking and grabs her arm to tell her in detail what happened when there was no one left in class. Laura responds.

“The teacher is gay, the teacher has been staring at you the whole time,” Laura replies confidently.

Iker responds even more assuredly: “Well, I didn’t notice.”

“You didn’t notice because you couldn’t stop drooling, and who knows what that crazy little head was thinking,” she says as she taps his head with her fist.

After finishing his first day of classes, Iker heads towards his house, happy to have successfully overcome the beginning of his new academic stage. Upon reaching the gates of the faculty, he finds some friends waiting for him, ready to share experiences of the day and enjoy a moment together. He descends the stairs with a smile on his face and joins the group of friends, who are having a lively conversation. They exchange stories, share details of the classes, and plan activities for the next day. The strong friendship among them can be felt, with every laugh and gesture of complicity reinforcing their bonds even more.

The new civil law professor, Raúl, bids farewell to the group in a friendly manner as he passes by before continuing on his way. However, at that exact moment, Iker is once again invaded by a feeling of confusion and nerves, momentarily leaving him stunned in front of the professor. His words seem to become elusive, and his ability to express himself is hindered. In this trance-like state, he can only timidly raise his hand and draw a somewhat awkward smile.

Despite feeling frustrated for not being able to express his thoughts at that moment, he trusts in overcoming his insecurities over time and communicating more fluently. In the meantime, he finds comfort in the support and understanding of his friends, who accept him just as he is. He nods farewell to the group of friends and then continues on his way home. Although he hesitated for a moment, he now feels happy to be part of the new academic environment and to have friends who support him in this exciting university stage.

He recreates romantic moments shared with Raúl in his mind, constructing a fictional story where they are a couple. He talks about their plans, adventures together, and the special moments they hope to experience. In his imagination, the excitement for a spectacular start of the school year is combined with the desire to reunite with Raúl and be close to him.

Despite being curiously observed by passersby, he pays no attention to their looks. At that moment, his happiness and excitement for the upcoming encounter with Raúl make him feel like nothing else matters.

He runs home, opens the door, and enters the living room. Since no one is home, he quickly heads to the kitchen. He quickly opens the fridge and grabs a sandwich, opting for a quick meal instead of cooking since there are no signs that his mother prepared anything for him when he arrived, but he doesn’t mind. When love walks in, hunger goes out the window.

Iker’s hunger becomes insignificant compared to the excitement and joy he feels for the start of the school year and the person who has occupied his thoughts all day: What’s happening, Raúl? Temporarily, his appetite is sidelined by the excitement of having him as a teacher and the fantasy of a more intimate relationship.

Holding the sandwich, he experiences joy knowing that his true emotional nourishment comes from the feelings and anticipation that Raúl has stirred in him.

He climbs the creaky stairs of his house without delay, clutching the railing that is a push away from falling off, but Iker doesn’t mind because his room is where he leaves behind the worries of the day. His mind is filled with the promise of another encounter with Raúl the next day.

He enters his room and absentmindedly drops his backpack on the floor. He goes straight to his desk, eager to turn on his computer. Booting up nowadays feels like an eternity, even in just a few seconds.

As he waits for the computer to start up, he nervously taps the desk with his fingers, increasing his anticipation as the moments pass. Thoughts of Raúl still dominate his mind, and he is eager to find any information that will bring him closer to his new infatuation.

Finally, the screen lights up, and he quickly logs in, his fingers typing rapidly. As he types Raúl’s name, his heart beats with excitement as he navigates his favorite search engine. He hopes to find something that will give him a glimpse into Raúl’s personal life, like a social media profile or a blog where he can learn more about the man who has captivated his imagination.

When he presses the search button, it is inevitable to experience a combination of nervousness and anticipation. Will it contain anything? Will Raúl leave any clues about his interests, hobbies, or even his relationship status? As the search results fill the screen, Iker scans hopefully through the listings for a clue about the person who has captured his heart.

I spent the whole afternoon in front of the computer without finding what I was looking for. Raúl does not appear on any social network, but he knows that this is unusual, since almost everyone has at least one account on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and even Tinder or Grindr. However, he will continue trying to get his profile or WhatsApp number without stopping. He believes that Raúl is the love of his life, but it seems strange to him that someone as perfect as Raúl does not appear on any network. Is he a serial killer? Or someone who has escaped justice? He keeps imagining being with him, no matter what. When night falls, he lies in bed with a lost look, turning a pencil he holds in his left hand, imagining living romantic situations together before falling asleep.

After lying down, he wakes up a few hours later still feeling sleepy. Slowly heading towards the frame of his bedroom door, he gets up. When he turns on the light, the hallway reveals a dim illumination that envelops him in a sepulchral silence. With some curiosity, he approaches his parents’ room first, but only sees his father lying down, deeply asleep. He feels strange, but chooses to keep searching.

He carefully descends the stairs, using the handrail for support. When he reaches the living room, he stops and observes in silence. She is there, in front of the television, completely focused on what she is watching, but unaware of her son’s presence. His mother’s head is all he can see peeking over an armchair next to the large sofa. He decides to return to his room without wanting to interrupt her.

Upon entering his room, a feeling of discomfort runs through him. The brief rest he took doesn’t seem to have suited him, as he feels a chill running down his spine. He decides it’s best to pack his bag for the next day before going down to the kitchen in search of something to eat. However, when he looks in the mirror near the door, he notices that his face looks pale and tired. Aware that he needs rest to recover, he decides to lie down again, hoping that hours in bed will bring back the joy to his face and make him feel better. His plan to attend the faculty to meet his new civil law professor will have to wait.

When morning comes, the persistent sound of the alarm fills the room, but this time he doesn’t hear it. It is his mother who finally realizes that the alarm is still sounding and quickly approaches. Upon touching her son, she notices that he is burning with fever and that his body is covered in sweat. Worried, she takes his temperature and advises him to stay in bed. The day that seemed wonderful and full of expectations is overshadowed by illness. Although he intends to get up and return to class, the fever and fatigue overcome him again, plunging him back into a deep sleep.