Chapter 12

• The headmaster met Nathalie with a smile, extending his hand in greeting. He was a man in his early fifties, his prominent beer belly causing the buttons on his shirt to stretch dangerously. Despite his appearance, he had given her a warm welcome during the interview.
• "Nathalie Swan," he acknowledged, demonstrating his memory. "We are so glad you could start on such short notice."
• Having interviewed only two weeks prior, Nathalie found it rather unconventional to begin teaching in the middle of the term, especially in October. She hadn't anticipated doing anything besides her temporary job in her hometown.