Sibylla was very nervous about it. I think she was worried because she knew I would be behind. Every time I asked her she said not to worry about it. She has an old book called Six Theories of Child Development but it is not very specific. When we reached the school we encountered an unexpected setback. We went into the year one classroom and Sibylla introduced herself. ‘I’m Sibylla Newman, and this is Stephen,’ she explained to the teacher, though actually she hadn’t been able to find the birth certificate to make sure before we left. ‘I think you may be his teacher this year,’ she added. ‘I thought I should talk to you.’ The teacher’s name was Linda Thompson. ‘I’ll just check the print-out,’ she replied. She took out a print-out and perused it. ‘I can’t seem to find Stephen,’ she reported at last! ‘Who?’ queried Sibylla. ‘Stephen? You did say his name was Stephen?’ enquired Ms. Thompson. ‘Oh yes, yes I did,’ confirmed Sibylla. ‘Stephen. Or Steve.
