A Change, Part 1

The room was dim. If a person had entered, he would have had to spend time to adjust to the low levels of lighting. But, in this dim environment an old man was furiously scribbling line after line. The computer screen beeped every now and then when the man deleted a line here, and then continued on, fixed in his thoughts. He had consentrated into his work with such force, that the timed alarm he had set up earlier almost frightened him. After glancing a quick look at the digital display, the usual thought went through his head, 'I can jot down a few more lines. Just a few more... just a few!'
Just as strong as the urge to continue writing was the man's need to leave the room now. The numbers on the clock moved forward with atomic precision, and the old man let out a sigh of relief. He grabbed his coat, and before leaving the room managed to mutter under his breath, 'About time to get out...'
The room was all but empty after the presence of the old man had left. Though there was a clear passage to the desk that the man had occupied, and to the computer display on it, there were several older screens as well as piles of papers which cluttered the room, and barely left room for a few pictures -- one of which showed the great lower house of the planet, and the other which displayed the setting sun of this world reflected by the stormy seas so common here.
The computer screen continued glowing dimly for a few more minutes before it turned itself off and left the room in complete darkness.

The man had moved upwards a few floors and then out to the street. He would only need to cross it to enter his destination, and he hoped to get by without any troublesome interludes.

'Hello, Tomasz.'

Apparently, today was not his day. But, polite as ever, he stopped and turned around, gave a slight nod with his head, 'Long time no see, Matthew!'

'Heading out to your class again?'

'The time was about right for that. Should make it there just as usual. Time enough to speak a few words. How have you been lately?'

'Oh, me? Humpphhh. Fine, I guess. I actually wanted to get your opinion on one paper that was presented to me. Would you be so kind as to read it?'

'What's it on? Not one on... domestic policies again?'

'I'm sure you'll find it quite interesting. Thank you very much! Now, I've got a lecture of my own to go to, but I'll be sure to see you later this week!'

The old man received, though it was apparent from his body language that he did not want to receive it, the paper in a printed form, and continued on on his path. As little as he wanted to admit it, a small part of him longed to read the paper. After all, perhaps it was a similar work to one that he himself had written so many years ago.

Still holding the printed files in his hand, he entered the lecture theatre opposite the place that he'd just left, and moved to confront his students in today's lecture.