We talk about our classes, making jokes and laughing. Big Smiles. Warm eyes, half closed.

He removes a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from a trouser pocket. He cups his hands and stares down his nose. Eyes narrowed in concentration, and lips set. The flame is the centre of the Universe.

He turns the lighter off, inhaling deeply. His eyes flick back towards me. Ice cold through thin slits. He looks away and exhales.

We resume our conversation, breaking into laughter now and then.