Current Impressions Read Online Free PDF Page A

building
and started up the stairs. They went up three flights and stopped
in the middle of the hall. Professor Nolan unlocked the door and
stood back to let Evan pass. “Feel free to make yourself at
home.”
    “Thanks.” From the doorway, Evan could see
that although no lights were on, the apartment was not dark.
Reflections on the wall gave the effect of being underwater. When
Evan passed the professor and gazed in the living room, he saw the
source. A narrow fish tank ran the length of the room. Exotic fish
of all sizes and colors swam inside. “Wow. Great tank.”
    Professor Nolan rubbed the back of his neck
and gave Evan a sheepish smile. “Thanks. My job is also my hobby. I
guess you could call it an obsession. There are few things more
important to me.”
    Evan could understand. He lost himself in
his studies all the time. He was thrilled when Professor Nolan took
him on as his intern. He continued to study the room, which was
sparsely furnished at best. There was no TV. No radio or sound
system. No source of entertainment besides the tank. The room held
a sleek, leather couch and a matching chair and ottoman. A glass
coffee table completed the ensemble. The walls were bare.
    “Are you hungry? Thirsty?” Professor Nolan
asked as he went into the kitchen.
    “A drink would be great.” Evan didn’t
necessarily mean alcoholic, but when he was handed a cold beer, he
didn’t complain. “Thanks, Professor.”
    Professor Nolan laughed and shook his head.
“Call me Ted.” He drew a long drink, emptying half his beer at
once. “If we’re going to be working together all summer and
traveling abroad, ‘Professor’ is going to get old.” Evan didn’t say
anything, so he continued. “Sorry I don’t have a TV. Never did like
those things, but you’re tired anyway, right?”
    Evan nodded. “I appreciate you letting me
stay, Ted.” He tried the name out. It felt strange on his tongue,
but he’d get used to it.
    “No need to thank me. I’m the one making you
work these crazy hours.” He set his empty bottle on the table.
“I’ll get you a pillow and blanket. The couch actually isn’t too
bad to sleep on. I’ve done it many times myself.”
    While Ted went to get the bedding, Evan took
a closer look at the tank. These fish were much more exotic than
any in the lab, their colors vibrant. The tank was meticulously
maintained. Not only were the fish thriving, but also plants of all
varieties bloomed in complementary colors and abundant
textures.
    “Who needs entertainment when you have a
fish tank, right?” The professor’s voice came from behind him. Evan
jumped slightly. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.” Ted set the
blanket and pillow on the couch. “Bathroom is the first door past
the kitchen. Only other door here is to my room. It’s a pretty
small place.”
    “It’s nice.” Evan didn’t know what else to
say, but he figured he was expected to comment. Considering the
professor was a single guy, it seemed big enough. He wondered if
Ted ever married, if he had kids. He was so married to his work, it
didn’t seem like there was room in his life for more.
    “Do you need anything else?” Ted asked. Evan
shook his head. “Then I’ll see you in the morning.”
    After Ted left the room, Evan unfolded the
blanket and stretched out on the couch. It was comfortable. As
tired as he was an hour ago, he found himself wide-awake now. He
watched the fish in the tank and thought of Meara. He made it a
week without her. He wondered what she was doing now. Was she
learning about her new powers? Did she like her uncles and the rest
of David’s family? He hoped she was happy. He couldn’t wait to see
her again, but he wished it wasn’t over a month away. Would he make
it that long? Losing himself in his job helped some, but the ache
in his heart was always present.
    The fish glided around the tank as Evan
watched, and his eyes eventually grew heavy. Finally, he slept, and
when he did, he dreamed of