I push up my glasses and lean back in my leather office chair, stretching out both arms. I've spent the better part of the afternoon reading thesis papers from three separate classes. A few have been rather painful to slog through. That would be an understatement on my part. Many of them have been painful.

But I am a fair man, and I grade accordingly. I want my students to improve and strive for better things, not to be discouraged by a poor mark. And so I set aside my stack and stand. It's about time for a break and a fresh cup of tea from the staff lounge.

And once inside, I come across something surprising. The dean of the school escorting someone new.