The snow had fallen for three days in a row and any decent head would have advised staff, like students, to stay home in the interests of safety. Instead, Alan had decided that ‘training’ (air-quote) and ‘team-building’ (air-quote) were preferable to staff absence.

As I pulled up in the car park, I saw him shaking salt over the entrance steps.

‘Well, isn’t that reassuring?’ I said. ‘It’s good to see he’s come prepared.’

In the passenger seat, Helen frowned. ‘Do you think you’ll ever say a good word about him, Daniel?’
I reached onto the back seat for my briefcase. ‘I’d say ‘’when Hell freezes over’’, but looking around me, it seems to have today.’ I nodded in Alan’s direction. ‘His dedication to his staff is inspiring. A whole dispenser of Saxo!’

As if sensing eyes upon him, Alan looked up and flashed a salesman’s smile. Helen waved a mittened hand in response; she really is incorrigible at times. When Alan tapped his wrist in a ‘what time do you call this’ gesture, I wanted to punch him.

When we stepped out of the car, he began walking towards us and had taken all of five steps when his right foot shot out in front of him. His arms flew out at his sides in an attempt to regain balance, but he fell backwards and the Saxo hit the ground just seconds before him. There was a distinct snap as his wrist connected with the concrete and he let out an animal howl that, rightly or wrongly, delighted me.

‘Oh my God.’ Helen covered her mouth. ‘Daniel, do something.’

‘Of course,’ I said, but couldn’t move.

I’d help him, I thought. In a minute. For now I would savour the moment. It was worth coming to school just for this.