Please write a note for James to take to his form teacher, that he has been here with us in the sickbay.”
Mrs Hamilton closed the door. She walked to her desk and brought me a box of tissues. I took one to dry my eyes, and she said: “Blow!” I blew my nose and looked sorry for myself. “Tissue in the bin, please, James.” She placed the bin next to me. I was so nervous. I expected the cane to appear at any moment.
Then my headmistress picked up the telephone, and I listened as she repeated my story to the headmaster of the senior school. The conversation didn’t last long. Mrs Hamilton then shuffled some papers and things on her desk before standing and coming back to look at me.