"Well, that depends on who you talk to. I have former students older than you are. I've got a family. My son is closer in age to you than I am," he pointed out.

"Look, you wouldn't be the first young woman to get a crush on old Mr. C. But that's all it is. A crush. Give it some time, and I'm sure you'll find someone else more interesting than me. I don't want you to do something you'll regret later, all right?" he said kindly.