42 42 Fall of the Gymnasium

In this state of enormous pain and exhaustion Sampson's mind was taking him back to memories he had shoved into the back of his mind, moments in his life he wished he could forget.

Rhys was yet again surrounded by kids. They were all laughing and holding hands and making plans to have play dates, while Sampson was hunched up in the corner watching them. He wasn't confident enough to go and talk to them, not when he smelled because he hadn't taken a bath in ages since his mother couldn't afford to pay for water. And his clothes were tatted and dirty for the same reason. He was alone most days, watching Rhys enviously and wishing that he could be him.

The worst time of the day was always the end of school when the kids' parents came to pick them up. Rhys's grandfather was always there, waiting with a smile and small treat like a sweat or even a biscuit for Rhys. Sampson always watched sadly from behind as they hugged and then set off for home.