In that lesson there were laughs, smiles, even jokes. A long-held blockage of energy in the Geography room had lifted. Pupils could answer questions without fear of being wrong, and move around the classroom to fetch things without being heckled, ‘sit still, unless you have piles?’ from the likes of Cohen.

Later Natalia was eager to spot Neill - she was bursting to say something! - but couldn’t see or hear him anywhere between lessons. When the bell rang for lunch, she wondered if she should go knock at his office? 

Heart thumping inside her ribs, she arrived at his door and flashed a private smile at the brand new shiny plaque there. He was here to stay!

NEILL, HEADMASTER

She drew a breath and knocked. There was no answer. 

Her breath easing agai...

Please subscribe to keep reading.