The recruits return
from their refreshment break to take their places for the final
session of the day. The brightest of them are obviously buzzing from
what they've learned so far, alive with wonder at a world unseen,
eager for more. Notebooks are open, pens are poised, twitching with
anticipation, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
There's a second group,
muttering with scepticism: they've heard some tall tails but seen
little proof. Some wonder if they've wasted their time, if they're
in the wrong place, perhaps this just isn't for them. The advert had
been simple enough: “Open minded, imaginative free thinkers wanted
to change the world” it said, coupled with an address, date and
time. It had said nothing of fairy stories. They tap their pens and
doodle in margins, hoping that something more substantial might be
revealed.
An expectant hush
descends upon the room as the course leaders return, an elderly
couple accompanied by a younger man. “I hope you all enjoyed your
tea,” the woman says, smiling, “Now then, where were we....”
