Matylda stood and turned to face Tomas. And for the first time in a long time, she shouted. “Do you think I wanted this? Living with Granddad, working all hours! It’s life, it’s not easy, and it isn’t fair. Things happen, we just have to deal with them.” She stopped, collapsed back onto the bed, looking drained by her outburst. The silence was difficult for both of them. Matylda spoke first; she didn’t look up. “I’m sorry. I would’ve given anything, not to put you through this but…” she faltered, “after the money ran out, I had no choice. All this has taken it out of me and—“

“Mum.” Tomas rushed to her side and put his arm around her. “I’m sorry. I know it’s not your fault, and I am grateful.”

Matylda squeezed his hand and spoke softly. “We’ll get through this Tom. I’ve got extra shifts at the hospital and before you know it, you’ll be leaving college and getting a job.” She suddenly laughed, “Then all that time you’ve spent in that fantasy world of yours, will pay off. I hear you can earn good money working for those game people.”

Tomas sighed. “I’m not sure if I’d be good enough for them, I don’t—”

Matylda perked up, “With your imagination! They’ll snap you up as soon as you walk in the door. Just think, earning a living from doing... whatever it is they do.”

“But I’ve got to make it through college first,” Tomas added.

They sat for a few moments longer, before Matylda stood and turned towards her son. “Do you want something to eat Tommie?” It had been a long time since she’d called him that.

“That would be great,” he smiled.

She stroked his hair and this time he didn’t pull away. “We make a good team.” She turned to leave, calling back from the hall. “Do you fancy that curry tonight? I could make one instead of going out in this weather.”

“Sounds perfect. Ah! Hang on.”

“What is it?”

“Oh, nothing. There’s just something I have to do before we eat.” Tomas had completely forgotten about his profile photo. He took it along with the one of his Dad and went back to his room.

It only took a minute to scan, crop the picture to his liking and then upload it to his profile. He jumped, as loud voices in the street interrupted his thoughts. Across the road, he saw four figures in hoodies, no doubt patrolling the boundary of their territory. They stopped, Tomas stepped away from the window, as one of them pointed towards his house.

8