Johnnys mind filled with thoughts and memories of a traditional British Prep School which was run by an authoritative headmaster, to such an extent that he almost forgot who he was before Katie had turned him into this eight year old schoolboy.
As Johnny’s mind settled from the flood of thoughts, he realised that the transformation of the room was complete. Along with the four beds, were small accompanying bedside units which each had a cupboard and a draw. At the end of each bed was a boarding school trunk with a name on. These were where boys would store all their belongings, and on top of the pillows were some neatly folded pyjamas. Overall the room was rather plain and simple, with just a noticeboard positioned by the door.
Johnny started to feel quite relaxed on the surroundings, almost as if he had been there for a number of years. He shook his head to try and snap away from the overpowering thoughts and memories that seemed to be taking over more and more, but it was no good. It seemed like the harder he tried to resist, the more he was absorbed into the mind of an eight year old.
Then came a noise from outside the door. Johnny couldn’t work out exactly what it was, but after a few seconds the noise got louder and clearer, and he realised it was the sound of footsteps. They must’ve been coming down the corridor. There was clearly more than one person walking. Johnny turned around and fixed his eyes on the door handle, which was reflecting some sunlight from the window across the room. It then began to turn and the door swung open. In walked a tall figure of a man, wearing a black gown which seemed to float alongside and behind him as he entered the room. Johnny looked up at the man who towered over this now eight year old schoolboy. It was the Headmaster!
“Come in boys and stand at the end of your beds”, said the headmaster as he turned his head back round towards the door, and in walked three other boys.
The boys were all dressed in identical school uniform to Johnny, and as they walked past the window the sunlight really highlighted the crease down the front of their shorts, and also the vibrant blue of their blazers.
The boys all aligned at the end of their beds, and stood so straight that they made the walls look slightly crooked.
The headmaster cleared his throat ready for an announent. He put a hand on one of Johnnys shoulders and bellowed in an authoritarian tone “Now boys, it has come to my attention that young Johnny here has not yet been introduced to the traditions of the school, and I am hoping that as his fellow dorm members, you could bring him up to speed”.
Johnny wondered exactly what the headmaster was referring to, so didn’t know if to feel nervous or not.
The Headmaster took his hand from Johnnys shoulder, and turned and walked out the door, leaving Johnny alone in the dorm with the other boys.