Leave.

Things changed in the blink of an eye (except that nine simply reopened), and Ali separated her body from mine.

"Now is NOT the time for jokes," she said, suddenly sounding as if she'd gone back into "Teacher" mode, and deciding the number of suspensions was next.

"I'm not joking," I replied sincerely. "You told me we'd no longer have to be formal, and I agree. However, we also no longer have to restrict our interactions to places or things within this building. The second you confirm that you've passed me, I cease being your student. What I become to you on any subsequent day is open for discussion between the two of us."

I looked down at my instructor, watching as she began to realize the change I was correctly describing, and attempted to decide how she felt about it.