John is a university professor who is about to be promoted and buy a property. Carol is his student who is afraid of failing because she often simply does not understand the professor's technical terms. He finds her ‘likeable’ and believes he understands her. His hand on Carol's shoulder, a casual gesture meant to reassure her, proves to be his undoing. Was it perhaps sexual assault after all? Was there more at stake than sympathy? What does Carol hope to achieve with her accusations, which could cost John his career?