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“Thank you for humoring my less than brilliant student,” Dr. Theodore says, after making sure the classroom is empty. “They have all the right colors, but the crayon box isn’t full, you see?”

You politely pinch your lips together and nod. “It wasn’t so bad,” you say. The Headmaster gives you a wink, to suggest he believes you’re being gracious. “Well, I trust you received my email?”

For a moment, your breath halts. Is he talking about the ‘six ounces’ email? But then you recall the less shocking email, the one explaining why you were admitted. Walk the path of serendipity.

“Yes, sir,” you say. “Thank you for accepting me.” Dr. Theodore chuckles and waves his hand, as though to dismiss your humility. “You’ll make a fine member of St. Hartley’s, Peter. No doubt.”

He drops some files into his briefcase and clicks it shut. Your heart is pounding. The man seems perfectly casual and relaxed. How is this the same Headmaster who… ‘dommed’ his employee?

“I understand you’ve been placed on the fencing team,” Dr. Theodore says. He playfully swishes a hand through the air, as if to swing a sabre. “Coach Holden requested to meet you. En garde!”