So I’m on the corner sitting on the petrol station wall inhaling exhaust fumes from Welford Road. If I had some money I’d buy something from the shop, but I don’t. M. What u doing? C. Not mch. Playng with the kittens. Wtchng crap tv. U? M. Wreckng my life. Raj is going away. I just walked away frm him. C. No! He can’t do that! Who shall we lust after if he goes? M. This is serious! He’s the only good thng happening. C. What is going on with u? Something’s up. I know u. Nobody’s supposed to notice. I wait for a minute, looking at the phone. Wondering what to say. I’d love to pour it all out to her – Hannah, Dad, Mum. Being sad. Being angry. Being scared. Feeling like it’s all too much. “Nothing, nothing’s up.” Nothing at all. I flip back my mobile, put my hands in my pockets and walk slowly home. I never want to get there. But of course, I do. And I go in. And it’s all still there, waiting for me. A text comes through. Remember, I’m here for you.
