I spend the rest of the morning at the school, making myself useful. I help a student who's struggling with a math problem in the hallway — a nervous boy with glasses who can't grasp fractions. I walk him through it step by step, patient and calm, until his face lights up with understanding. He thanks me and runs off to class. Not my target demographic, but you never know if he has a hot sister.
I compliment Mrs. Chen on the art display in the main hallway — a collection of watercolor landscapes that are surprisingly good for high school work. She beams and tells me about the techniques she's been teaching. I hold the door for a teacher carrying a stack of books, and she thanks me with a warm smile.
Small gestures. Each one noted. Each one building my reputation as the friendly new father who's always around to help.
