‘You’re not the only one,’ Dave Hooper muttered, clearly itching to pull his son out of this man’s orbit.

Elliot stared curiously at Mr Boil. He turned his head sideways as if looking at him for the very first time. A few moments passed, then Elliot returned to his chair, taking his dad’s hand again.

‘Is that everything, Elliot?’ Mr Sopweed asked softly.

‘You’re going to sack him, aren’t you?’ Elliot replied.

‘Mr Boil’s employment will be terminated with immediate effect,’ confirmed Mr Sopweed, shooting Mr Boil a contemptuous look. Virgo heard a soft sob escape the sweaty upper lip.

‘As I was saying – Lance Boil, please consider your time at Brysmore Grammar School—’

‘Please don’t,’ said Elliot quietly.

Every pair of eyes in the room snapped to the boy. Virgo put her finger in her ear. Surely earwax was a thing of the past now she was immortal? But there must be some residual build-up in her ears . . .

‘I’m sorry, Elliot,’ said Mr Sopweed in confusion. ‘Could you say that again?’

‘Please don’t,’ Elliot repeated. ‘Sack him, I mean. I don’t want him to lose his job.’

Virgo was astounded. If her understanding was correct, Elliot had just prevented Mr Boil from being fired as a teacher for good. Why in all the realms would he do that?

But her surprise had nothing on Dave Hooper’s.

‘Elliot?’ he said. ‘What are you doing? This man has made your life a misery. He doesn’t deserve your forgiveness. Don’t waste it on him.’

‘Everyone deserves forgiveness,’ Elliot said quietly. ‘You and I both know that.’

If there were more words in Dave Hooper’s mouth, they were suddenly unable to find the exit.

‘Besides, if it wasn’t for Mr Boil, we wouldn’t have got Home Farm back,’ Elliot said to Mr Sopweed. ‘I know that it’s easy to do stupid stuff when you’re unhappy. He needs support, not sacking. Will you help him, Mr Sopweed?’

Mr Sopweed sat back in his chair and admired Elliot like a prize hedgehog.

‘You are a remarkable young man, Elliot Hooper,’ he said eventually. ‘And, yes. Yes, I will help Mr Boil. Because of you. Do you agree, Lance? Will you undertake the training you require to become a better teacher? A better man, perhaps?’

Mr Boil nodded weakly. He gave Elliot a look that might one day become a ‘thank you’. Elliot returned it with something that might one day turn into ‘It’s OK.’

Dave gave Elliot a proud hug.

‘Then so be it,’ said Mr Sopweed calmly. ‘Mr Hooper, we look forward to receiving Elliot back at school whenever you are both ready. In the meantime, if there’s anything you need from us, it is yours for the asking.’

‘Thank you,’ said David, rising and smiling at Virgo. She understood it was time to leave.