Serayu, holding a tray of simple tea and shortbread biscuits, paused in the hallway.
She hadn't made it to the study. The distinct, heavy crunch of boots on the gravel path outside, followed by the familiar grumbling accompanied by the jingle of keys, announced the professor's return.
She set the tray down on a side table and moved to the front door, opening it just as Baswara reached for the handle. The forest air, cool and pine-scented, swept in.
"You have an impressive young lady with you," Serayu said.
Baswara huffed, brushing past her into the vestibule. "I do." He began shrugging off his heavy outer coat, his mind clearly already on the impending personal evaluation, on the girl who had dismantled his tasks.
But the anticipated scene of a waiting, respectful student did not materialize.
Instead, from the direction of the study, came the swift, sure sound of footsteps.
