Chapter 200: Guardians, Part 5, Nine Years Ago

Mr Kalkowski

“Jennifer, this is Mr Kalkowski. He’s the headmaster here.”

“Hello, Jennifer. It is good to meet you. We do not see many new faces around here.” Mr Kalkowski offers his hand and tentatively, she takes it, not knowing quite what is expected of her. He gives a brisk tug downward, then releases it.

Mr Kalkowski has been a tall man, but now, stooped with age, shoulders rounded, he leans heavily on a walking stick. To Jennifer’s eye, he seems immensely old, face shrinking back to his skull and his hair silver. Nonetheless, his eyes are bright and dark and alive, sparking with intelligence.

But she looks nervously at the stick….

…. He tilts his head at her response, eyes narrowing. Mrs Collier too has seen her reaction and she exchanges a glance with the old man.

“So, Jennifer, or do you prefer Jenny?” He is smiling and friendly and Jennifer ducks her head, not knowing how to react. This isn’t how men behave….

…. is it?

“Um, don’t know. Don’t mind.”