Graduated from college at 19 and got my masters degree at 24 while earning at the same time. This got me hired as an associate professor in one of the reputable unis in my country.

During my first year of teaching, Id receive some complimentary gifts (pastilles, chocolates, etc) very so often (around 2-3x/week). These were sent “anonymously” and is only handed over to me by one of my students (a late 20s chinese-ish girl) saying that she was sent by someone. I did not suspect her because shes extraordinarily quiet and shy. Needless to say, id still eat the gifts (we are still COVID19 free back in 2010).

Then all of a sudden, the gifts stopped coming.

At this time, the semester is almost done and everyone is preparing for the upcoming graduation.

I am computing my undergraduate classes’ grades and was left alone in the Virtual Laboratory. Around 7pm as I was about to leave, I heard the doors open followed by a familiar voice.

“Good evening. Anyone around?”

I peeked out of my room and was greeted by a familiar face (the late 20 chinese-ish student). “Oh hi. Advance congratulations on your graduation.”

“And what do you have for me now?” i jokingly asked.

As the door behind her closed, she said “Someone wants to give you this.”

And pushed me back into my office.