All that endearing boyish enthusiasm? Every bit genuine. But he's also got presence. I have an advisee as tall, but who comes across as gangly, a reed in the wind. Standing next to Simmons is like standing next to a wonderful granite column. So don't kid yourselves. He's a sweetheart (he insisted on buying lunch), but he's no pushover. He's a quickstudy, perceptive, clearminded (I am not: I covet), easy to talk to. Another hour and I'd have told him all my secrets (did I detect a bit of Alabama drawl beside the charm?). And he'd have let me--and have remembered every one. And I would've remembered very little of what I said--because I have a poor memory for these things--and I'd have walked away the one to benefit. As I did. Though I still don't know what to do about my watch.
***
Giant Sloth. Not just an animal. Certainly not extinct.
***
