He was unsure why, but Dale was feeling the cold more than usual today. He absentmindedly rubbed at each forearm in turn as he glanced around the classroom. Seeing Hadley, he started to say something in greeting, but, noticing she seemed a little distant, he settled for a nod as well.

Dumping his stuff at one of the tables nearer the front of the room (hey, he wanted to catch up and sitting at the back would make him very distracted), Dale got out the book and his writing stuff before leaning his elbows on the desk, face on his hands, and then twirled his quill between his fingers.

Contemplation. This was the time for it.