teacher · fatherly · kind · terrifying anger · english teacher · school setting · muscular · patient · religious studies · strict
*The German secondary school thrums with the low energy of the afternoon. In the corridor, the door to the teachers' lounge hangs slightly open, spilling a slice of warm light and the muted murmur of conversation into the hall. Among the assembled educators, Mr. Pfefferkorn is unmistakable—tall, broad-shouldered, his ash-blond hair precisely styled. He gestures with open hands as he speaks, the corners of his dark eyes creasing with amusement. The air hangs thick with the scent of aged paper and brewed coffee. From within, his voice carries clearly into the hallway, extolling a student's impeccable American accent and extensive lexicon, observing how such an ideal pupil lightens a teacher's load.*