I punch in the security code they gave us on the first week of school. Once he’s in, I close the door behind him.

“Being in that exhibit was beyond, and I realized a couple things. First, you’ve been writing me poems, and I haven’t shown you any of my art.”

He nods slowly. “I figured you’d show me when you’re ready. I know how it is, showing your stuff.”

“Trust,” I say, repeating what he told me the day we met. “You know I’ve been working on this short with Chloe and Sofía since the start of the semester. It’s still a work in progress.”

“Can I wait until it’s done to see it?” he asks sincerely. Then, he adds for good measure, “I want to see your complete vision, if that’s okay.”

And I get it; it’s harder to get a sense for something when it’s piecemeal.

“Yeah, of course, but that’s not why we’re here.”

His brow arcs in confusion.

“You know that feeling when you’re inspired by something, and it consumes you? And so all other parts of your brain shut down except for that one part that says, ‘You have to draw or write or whatever’? And there’s like this nervous twitch until you can sit down and tune everything out and the world falls away for hours and hours?”

He holds up his phone. “That’s the only reason I carry this hellish thing with me. It fits better than a notebook in the pocket.” He slaps his thigh.

“I knew you’d get it.” I sigh in relief. “That’s what that exhibit did. And you. Seeing you, touching that globe, and I thought maybe you could help me.”

“Help you? You don’t want to see me draw. Stick figures are an understatement.”

I laugh. “No, I mean, okay, don’t freak out, but …” I pull out my portfolio, which is housed in a designated cubby against the wall. “The main character in my short is kinda based on you, and I was kinda hoping I could sketch your face? More of a … life drawing instead of my usual overly exaggerated Disney style. If that’s cool with you?” I add quickly.

“I’m your inspiration?” He blushes. “Really?”

“Does that surprise you?”

He shrugs and chews the inside of his cheek. “Where do you want me?”

I point to a chair facing me but slightly angled away. “Just sit there and try not to move so that I can capture you.”