To sunshine and song I but just awaken

A wave of optimism surges round the staff room table. And hits a breakwater.

"When's T.Aldous going on his holidays?"

"End of the month."

"Ooh, I can't wait: three weeks' bliss and getting stuff done."

"He's only going away for two weeks."

"Shit... Ah well, at least it'll be two weeks without his meddling interference."

"Nobody's told you the story about the postcards from China, have they?"