He gave a long chuckle and sat back. ‘Sorry,’ he began, ‘I don’t usually… well anyway, back to the topic we started on. I recall you saying you truant because you feel as though this wondrous Thornwood High School feels like jail to you in every sense, and that browsing the paraphernalia of Homebase DIY fares superior.’

‘It was B&Q, sir.'

A laugh erupted on his face, followed by a ‘yeah yeah!’ in a boyish tone, going slightly pink in the face himself. ‘Cheeky,’ he added, then frowning: ‘Did you really go to B&Q?’

‘Yeah - well no - not for seven hours.’

‘Well, anyway, what makes this place a prison? You’re clearly studious, so doesn’t it satisfy you in that way?’

‘Somewhat.&r...

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