**Chapter 6: The Aftermath**

The rest of the class was a blur for Eric. He went through the motions, taking notes and responding to questions, but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn't shake the feeling of being caught, of being seen by Maya in a way that he didn't want to be seen. As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Eric felt a sense of dread wash over him. As his classmates began to pack up their things and file out of the room, Eric lingered, his eyes fixed on Maya's. She was gathering her things, her expression still unreadable, but Eric could sense a hint of disappointment and concern. When the room was empty, Maya motioned for Eric to come to her desk. He hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest, before getting up and walking over to her. "Eric, I think we need to talk," Maya said, her voice low and even. Eric nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. He knew he had to apologize, to explain what had happened, but he wasn't sure where to start. "I'm sorry, Maya," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what came over me. It won't happen again." Maya's expression didn't change, but Eric could sense a hint of skepticism. "What happened, Eric?" she asked, her voice gentle but firm. "What was going on with you in class today?" Eric took a deep breath, trying to gather his thoughts. He didn't want to lie to Maya, but he wasn't sure how much he wanted to reveal. "I just...I don't know," he said finally. "I guess I just got caught up in the moment. I wasn't thinking." Maya's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "Eric, I've taught for a long time," she said. "I've seen a lot of students come and go. And I've never seen you behave like that before. You're a good student, Eric. You're focused, you're motivated. But today...today was different." Eric felt a sense of shame wash over him. He knew he had let Maya down, and he wasn't sure how to make it right. "I don't know what to say," he said finally, feeling a sense of desperation. Maya's expression softened, and she leaned forward, her voice taking on a more gentle tone. "Eric, I want you to know that I'm not here to judge you," she said. "I'm here to help you, to support you. But I do need you to be honest with me. Can you tell me what's going on, Eric? Is everything okay?" Eric hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He didn't want to lie to Maya, but he wasn't sure if he was ready to reveal the truth. As he looked into her eyes, he felt a sense of connection, a sense of trust. And he knew that he had to be honest with her, no matter how difficult it might be. "I'm just...I'm struggling," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm struggling with some things, and I don't know how to deal with them." Maya's expression was sympathetic, and she nodded, her eyes never leaving Eric's. "Okay, Eric," she said. "We'll deal with it together. But first, I need you to promise me one thing." "What's that?" Eric asked, his voice cautious. "I need you to promise me that you'll be honest with me, from now on," Maya said. "No more secrets, no more hiding. Can you do that for me, Eric?" Eric hesitated, unsure of what to say. But as he looked into Maya's eyes, he knew that he had to try. "Yes," he said finally, his voice firm. "I promise."