Because of Yul’s reluctance to let her take on the role of Student Counsellor, she hadn’t had any data to lose when the virus had hit Stonewylde’s network. All the youngsters finishing Hall School this summer had been interviewed and she was now working through the year group below, as they’d soon be making their choices for higher education or apprenticeships. Sylvie had found the role rewarding so far, and Miranda had assured her it would make a great deal of difference in the community. She was disturbed by a knock on the door and surprised to see Harold. He entered nervously and was persuaded to sit down beside her, more jittery than even the shyest student she’d had in for a chat. The Imbolc Crash had taken away his already shaky self-confidence and her heart went out to him; he’d always worked so hard, even when it made him unpopular, and his loyalty to Stonewylde was unquestionable. ‘Relax, Harold,’ she said gently. ‘You know me well enough – I don’t bite.’ He smiled and pushed his round glasses back up his nose.
