– So, Mr Davell. As you know, we're here to discuss your child's future. Do you already know which specialities Theodore has a great predisposition for? – The headmistress started the conversation, staring practically unblinkingly into the eyes of the boy's parent.

– I thought you were going to tell me everything… – Lars spread his hands, averting his gaze from the head of the CEC.

– Why am I not surprised at all? All the parents who have been in this office today, without my help and hints, already understood the strengths of their children.

– Very happy for them. What's next?

– Ah, next… you know, if it were up to me, if I had even the slightest reason, whether it was a complaint from Theodore or your neighbours about the boy's terrible upbringing and maintenance, I would not hesitate to go to the guardianship authorities and take him away from you. You are not a good parent and have no regard for the welfare of your child!

– But you haven't had cause to.

– I'm sorry… but you know I won't take my eyes off you for the rest of Theodore's education. You show up late and drunk, the child is dressed in shabby clothes that are already too small for him. If you spent less money on booze, you'd have enough for normal clothes. You are a clear example of what kind of parent you can't be!

– I'm still waiting for your comments about the school. I didn't come here to hear insults directed at me!

– Alas, the law is not on my side so I can save a boy from such a father!

– Remember that last phrase the next time you choose your words. Otherwise my patience will run out and you'll lose your job as a result.

– I'm not going to argue with you. I just want to make sure you don't screw up the boy's future.

– His future is not your problem. Let's get down to business.

– Theodore, just so you know, has the potential to be a good martial arts athlete. There are several schools that match his abilities. One, the closest one, is here in Gai. Another is in Ounvilshen, which is a priority because it's higher class. The third is of the same standard as our village school and is in another locality. That's about as far as the options closest to Gai go. Here's a list of all the schools that match the needed direction. They are arranged in order of distance from our village. The asterisks indicate their overall level. Please read this list in detail. Better yet, visit at least five of them to see for yourself their facilities and teaching staff.

– I'll figure it out. Is that it?

– That's all, Mr Davel.

Lars snatched the piece of paper the headmistress held in her hand and turned his back on her and walked silently out of the office. The headmistress looked regretfully at him and turned her gaze to the elderly couple sitting on the sofa.

Man: ‘What an unpleasant type. I remember when he fell in drunk at the CEC and could barely stand on his feet. Good thing we made him leave his car near the centre then. Otherwise, I think there would have been an accident.

Woman: ‘Why haven't the guardianship authorities taken an interest in his behaviour? Is there nothing that can be done?’

Headmistress: ‘Unfortunately, our hands are tied, because the current laws take the unambiguous position that no matter what the birth mother and father are, if there are no complaints against them from the child himself, it is impossible to deprive them of their parental rights. Moreover, Davel formally fulfils the main care of the child, feeding and clothing him. But you and I realise that formal parental care is never enough…’.