A Break and a Surprise

A Break and a Surprise

Joshua poured a cup of tea into the cup. The hot water pouring was music enough for the young man, Chris to be soothed. But they both knew that it wouldn’t be the only sound that they would be subject to. Chris waited anxiously as Joshua had finished preparing the green tea for both of them.

Joshua put the cup down in front of Chris and sat in the chair in front of him. Chris took the cup and then chuckled, “Sir, it feels a little awkward taking this from you. I mean, shouldn’t I be the one to serve you?”

Joshua waved his hands, “No, not in the smallest, and this is my office as a professor, so I have to offer you hospitality.” 

Chris was persuaded and his nerves calmed down by a lot, and then the two sat there in silence for a little while until Joshua stood up, “Look, I have some assorted snacks here. Would you care to have some?” 

Chris nodded, and then Joshua laid out the snacks on the desk as Joshua sat back down. As he did, Joshua let out a sigh, “Well Chris, you took the trouble of coming all the way here. May I ask why?” 

Chris pursed his lips, trying to find a way to start the conversation, “Well sir, I just want to get things off my mind, and these are things I couldn’t possibly talk to anyone else about. Is it okay??”

Joshua looked at his student’s unsure expression and put on a soft expression and assured him, “Of course. You are free to say anything in these walls.” 

Chris let out a deep sigh and knew that he could trust his teacher, his very mentor that he was lucky enough to meet in these years that he was now attending college. Even though they say that some professors come and go, and some were only in it for the academia, there were some who took on their roles as teachers as well as scholars, and Joshua was one of them. 

“Well, sir, I must say that I’m torn between furthering my studies or just getting a job. I mean, you told us how hard it is as a scholar, but I’m not sure if just getting a job is worth it. Sometimes I wonder if I should just wear that uniform to a company in Silicon Valley.” 

Joshua crossed his arms, and yet, he was weary of what he was to say to his student, whom he had seen grow through the years in university, because he knew that Chris was a delicate being. 

He started, “Chris, what do you want to do?” 

Chris was a little taken back. He thought that Joshua would give him a direct and sure answer, but here he was asking the questions and turning the tables on him. He knew that Joshua had asked him for a reason, and he tried to form words in his mouth, “The thing is… I think it’s a matter of ideal and reality. Realistically, going to said company would be the natural way out: I mean, I need the money, and I know that I’ll need a lot more to pay off for my debt. But on the other hand, even though I might gain more debt, maybe I should follow my ideals. I’m torn, sir.”

Joshua folded his hands in front of him as he listened to Chris, and he asked once more, “Chris, what do you really want to do? I’m asking because that should be the foremost question that you have the answer to.” 

Chris let a sigh out and then firmly stated, “I’d like to further my scholarship, sir.” 

Joshua nodded, satisfied at his conclusion, because he had reached one. Joshua wasn’t one to meddle into his students’ lives because he knew that their lives were theirs’, albeit, sometimes, Joshua knew that everything doesn’t go the way that you think it might. He smiled at Chris and knew that it was now time to let him on that little secret (Of course, the same would have applied if he hadn’t chosen the way of the scholar, too.), “Chris, the road might not be all as you expected. After all, as the lyrics of a song that I enjoy go, ‘An unfolding of events that seem disjointed is probably a one and only story.’”

Chris nodded and Joshua continued, “Hence, I ask you to embrace yourself, but don’t lose any hope. The path that is ahead of you isn’t all that dark, and you’ll meet partners on the way, like moi.” 

Joshua smiled and Chris nodded, thanking his teacher for the amount of support he’s showing him right now. But he knew that words weren’t enough. Joshua took Chris’s hands and assured his counterpart, “I know that you’re the one to take on this monumental task. If not you, then who? I look forward to being fellow workers with you on this path.” 

Chris finally grinned, knowing that the answer to his troubles had been answered. The had been answered thanks in part to his gracious warm, and generous teacher, and he knew the way that he had to go. 

Joshua did ask, “Are you getting married with Julie anytime soon?” 

Chris blushed, “Yeah. I think it’s only a matter of time until we get married. Do you know a pastor who could….”

Joshua cocked his head to the side, with a mischevious smile on his lips, and Chris laughed, “I’m sorry. Please let me rephrase that.”

Joshua nodded, and Chris bowed, “Dr. Reverend Kim, could you do the honors and wed me and Julie in holy matrimony?” 

Joshua chuckled, where had the time gone? Even though he was a pastor, he didn’t go on the path of furthering Theology, rather he had chosen Media Studies, and here he was, with one of his students in his tenure as a professor. He thanked that he was able to comfort, lead, and help this young prodigy on this path, and as he was to marry, he knew that his children were to do the same, so he decided that Chris would serve as practice for what lay ahead of him.