DANIELSON (V.O.): Also, special congratulations to the Speech and Debate Team who placed fourth overall in the City Forensics Tournament this past weekend. Way to go team.

Remember: School Pride is Self Pride.

Have a great spring break, people. Be safe. Safety comes first.

A moment later, Dr. Danielson enters. Khadim’s back is to Danielson. Danielson stares at Khadim for a long moment.

DANIELSON: Can I help you?

Khadim turns and looks at Danielson.

DANIELSON: Can I help you with something?

KHADIM: They told me to come in here.

DANIELSON: Who did?

KHADIM: They told me you wanted to see me.

DANIELSON: Name?

KHADIM: Khadim.

DANIELSON: Khadim. Right. Khadim. Sorry about that.

The mind. When you’re my age? The mind just . . . whsssp.

Khadim.

Khadim . . .

KHADIM: Asmaan.

DANIELSON: Khadim Asmaan. Righto.

There he is.

How we doing?

KHADIM: Fine.

Danielson sits.

DANIELSON: Afternoon announcements.

KHADIM: Yes, I heard.

DANIELSON: It’s part of the job. Afternoon announcements. The voice from above. Epilogue to the school day. A recap. A “stay tuned for another edition” type thing.

Part of the job.

KHADIM: Yeah.

DANIELSON: So here you are.

Thanks for coming in like this.

KHADIM: I kind of have to, right?

DANIELSON: (smiles) I suppose you do, don’t you?

How’s everything? How are classes?

KHADIM: Good.

DANIELSON: Good?

KHADIM: Yeah, you know. The same old same old.

DANIELSON: Same old same old.

KHADIM: Yeah.

DANIELSON: Yeah.

(beat) How are you liking Sheffield High?

KHADIM: It’s cool.

DANIELSON: I know that it can be difficult coming in in the middle of an academic year.

(beat) How are your folks?

KHADIM: My folks?

DANIELSON: Your parents.

KHADIM: What about them?

DANIELSON: I’m just asking how they are.

KHADIM: I don’t know. Why do you want to know?

DANIELSON: Oh, I’m just asking.

To be polite.

KHADIM: They’re fine.

DANIELSON: Good!

Listen, you’re probably wondering why I’ve asked you to come in here this afternoon.

Khadim shrugs.

DANIELSON: Of course. Natural that you’d be wondering that.

The school bell rings.

DANIELSON: There’s the bell.

Happy spring break.

KHADIM: What?

DANIELSON: It’s officially spring break!

(beat) So, again, that begs the question: Why are you sitting in the vice-principal’s office when you should be going home and having fun with your friends?

KHADIM: Yeah. I mean, Dr. Danielson, is there a problem?

DANIELSON: Have you made friends since you’ve come to Sheffield High?

KHADIM: Friends?

DANIELSON: Yeah, you know. Have you been able to make friends? You seem like a popular guy, although what do I know? I’m just the vice-principal. But it’s important: High school is more than just books and classes. It’s a social construct.

KHADIM: Yeah.

DANIELSON: Yeah?

KHADIM: Yes sir.

DANIELSON: No, I mean, yeah it’s a social construct or yeah, you have friends?

KHADIM: What?

DANIELSON: I’m not trying to be a tough guy, Khadim. You certainly don’t need to call me “sir.” That’s my dad’s name, you know what I mean?

So: You’ve made friends here.