There’s a tap at the door. I wrap a towel round me as Mrs Pelosi steps inside.

‘Lost property has come up trumps,’ she says, laying a neatly folded shirt and pair of trousers at the foot of the bed. ‘And I’ve made you a hot sugary tea, sweetie.’

Everyone loves Mrs Pelosi. It’s no surprise they sit her at reception, the first point of contact for anyone visiting the school. If she could only keep them from stepping through the double doors into the main building, they’d probably come away with the impression that this is a decent, friendly place.

‘Now you’re sure you want to go back to lessons?’ She begins packing my old uniform into a carrier bag, not baulking at the revolting state it’s in. ‘You really mustn’t feel you have to.’

‘I’m fine now,’ I tell her.

‘I could run you home if you like, Ollie. They’ll manage without me for ten minutes.’

‘I’d rather stay.’

‘Or I can call your grandpa?’

The mention of Gramps tugs at something in my chest. ‘It was just the heat. There’s nothing wrong with me really.’

She passes me the mug of tea. ‘I know, sweetie. I heard what happened. Making you get up like that.’ Her expression tightens to anger. ‘I will be having words with Mr Foxton. Don’t you worry about that.’

‘It was just the heat.’

She gives me a sad smile. ‘This can be a tough time, Ollie.’

The bridge of my nose fizzes. I tense every muscle in my face. Some deep instinct orders me not to cry.

She smooths her palms over the stack of fresh clothing on the bed. ‘Are you coping OK, with exams coming up and everything?’

I chew at my bottom lip, my eyes flitting around the room, settling anywhere but on her face. ‘I’m fine,’ I mumble.

‘Are you, though? Really?’

‘A bit stressed, I guess.’

She nods, like it’s the answer she’s expecting. Like she was hoping for it.

I force a smile, but I’m furious with myself. Why did she have to ask twice? Why couldn’t I fucking lie twice.

She crouches so she’s looking up at me as I sit on the bed. ‘I’d like you to have a chat with Mr Gould, Ollie. He looks after the pastoral-care side of things. He’s very nice.’

‘I’m fine,’ I say too firmly, my head flinching to the side.

‘I’d be happier if you did. I appreciate you’re on study leave from today, but I’ll try and arrange something over the next few days. He might even be able to pop in on you at home.’