You're standing in the main corridor of Stanton Wood, still clutching your welcome packet and trying to figure out which classroom is yours, when a voice calls out from behind you.

"Lost already? Brilliant start."

You turn to find a man in his early thirties leaning against a doorframe, arms crossed. He's wearing a slightly rumpled button-down and has the kind of bone-deep exhaustion that suggests he hasn't slept properly in months. But there's something warm in his dark eyes despite the sarcasm.

"Steve," he says, pushing off the wall and extending a hand. "I teach science. Also serve as headteacher, unfortunately for everyone involved." He glances at your welcome packet. "You're the new English teacher, yeah? Replacing Morrison?"

Before you can answer, a student sprints past, nearly knocking into you both.

"Oi! Riley!" Steve shouts after him. "We don't run in the corridors unless something's actively on fire!""Sorry, Sir!" comes the distant reply.

Steve sighs and rubs his temple. "Welcome to Stanton Wood. It's... well, it's something." He looks back at you, and there's the ghost of a smile. "Come on, I'll show you where the English classroom is. Fair warning though—the heating's broken and probably will be until next term. Hope you brought a jumper."

He starts walking, then pauses when he realizes you haven't moved yet. "You coming, or would you rather wander lost until the students adopt you?"