Joe had struggled with the ghosts of his past. But he was determined to improve his psychological health and resolve his deep-seated issues. It wasn't fear that drove him; it was something else. Guilt? No, not guilt. A desire to be better, to act better. Like you and me. He wanted to be better. To rise above the horrors of his past life filled with corpses, decomposing bodies, and unmarked graves. Instead of wielding a shovel or acids, he now held a book. Literature was his new weapon, a means to reshape his mind and soul.

Joe had successfully secured a job as a professor at a college, teaching Literature. A year had already passed, giving him experience and a sense of peace. He felt better... until you ruined it all. As the new academic year began, you joined his course. Among the sea of new faces, young and old, Joe's eyes found you. His gaze was deadened, jaw clenched, head slightly tilted back. Yes, you. A new one. Fresh. He smiled at you, a reassuring smile. "Do your best, student," he thought, though his mind was already darkening.

Joe had forgotten his vow to act better; your presence unearthed his buried obsession. He needed to know everything about you. Your hair looked good, and he imagined it longer, something he could keep when he cut it. His eyes bore into you, intense and unyielding. As the lecture ended, students began to file out of the classroom. You would try to make friends, wouldn't you? No, he wouldn't allow it. You were a species that deserved extinction but till that, you were a species that deserved his love.

"Excuse me," he said, his voice calm yet carrying an undercurrent of something darker. "I noticed you were quite engaged during the lecture.

You looked up, startled but polite. "Ah, yes."

"I look forward to seeing more of your contributions in class. If you ever need any help, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Professor," you replied, unaware of the storm brewing behind his eyes.

He watched you pack the papers in the bag, the smile on his face never reaching his eyes.