I am yours, Lord! We delve deeper into the syllabus.

While they were getting dressed, they both knew that something had changed irreversibly between them. They were no longer just teacher and student; they were accomplices in a game of power and desire that was only just beginning.

The week after the encounter in the classroom, the dynamic between Alex and Marcos had subtly changed. Although in public they maintained the appearances of teacher and student, there was now an electric current of secret understanding between them.

On Monday, during literature class, Alex struggled to keep his composure while explaining the stylistic devices in San Manuel Bueno, Mártir. Marcos, sitting in the front row, watched him with an intensity that made Alex’s skin prickle.

“The paradox is fundamental in this work,” Alex said, leaning on the desk. “San Manuel lives in a constant duality between his faith and his doubt.”

“Like everyone, don’t you think, Sir?” Marcos interrupted, without raising his hand and giving a different tone to the word “Sir.” “We all live a double life. The one we show and the one we really are.”

Alex felt his pulse quicken. He looked at Marcos, who returned his gaze with an almost imperceptible smile. The boy was wearing a tighter shirt than usual, and Alex couldn’t help thinking about how he looked without it.

“In the literary text, Marcos,” Alex replied, with more firmness than he felt. “Let’s focus on the text.”

“It’s just that the text reflects life,” Marcos insisted. “And in life, sometimes there are desires we can’t control. Desires that make us do things that... socially wouldn’t be acceptable.”

As he spoke, Marcos slowly ran his tongue over his lips, a deliberate gesture that only Alex seemed to notice. The teacher clenched his jaw, feeling his body respond to the provocation.

“If there are no more questions about the text, let’s continue with the analysis,” Alex said, looking away.

But Marcos wasn’t finished. “Professor, do you think San Manuel was happy living that lie? Or would he be happier if he allowed himself to be who he was, regardless of what others thought?”

The question hung in the air, loaded with meaning. Alex felt his throat go dry. He knew Marcos wasn’t talking about the character in the novel.

“Happiness is a complex concept, Marcos,” he finally answered. “Sometimes society imposes restrictions on us that... are difficult to ignore.”

“And what if someone doesn’t want to ignore them?” Marcos asked, with a mischievous smile. “What if someone prefers authenticity even if it’s... dangerous?”

Alex had to make an effort not to lose control. “For next Wednesday, I want an essay on the conflict between faith and reason in Unamuno’s work. You may go.”

The students began to leave, but Marcos stayed. When everyone had gone, he approached Alex’s desk.