“It’s called sleep paralysis,” Matylda placed the toast on the table. “I see it sometimes at the hospital.” She turned to pick up the boiling kettle. “You gave me and your Granddad quite a shock last night, not to mention poor old Fudge.”

“But it seemed so real, there was something in the room.” Tomas picked up a slice.

Matylda spoke as she poured water into a cup. “It will. You’re waking up, but your muscles are still asleep, that’s why you couldn’t move,” she laughed suddenly, “it was probably Fudge licking your face.”

Tomas protested, “No, I would have known if it was him.” A piece of toast dropped from his mouth onto the table.

Matylda rolled her eyes, as she put the cup in front of him. “It can happen to anyone, it’s not serious.” She sat at the table and placed her hand on his cheek - Tomas pulled away. Matylda ignored the gesture and tried to explain. “You’ve been through a lot lately, don’t worry about it. Things will get better, just you see. I’ve got some extra shifts at the hospital, so we’ll have more money coming in.” She stood and took his plate over to the sink, turned and leant on the unit. “How about we go out for a curry or something on Friday?”

“Mum!”

“Oh I see, can’t be seen out with the old woman eh!” She walked over and ruffled his hair, like she did when he was a toddler. “Come on, get yourself off to college!”

In his bedroom the night before, Tomas had courageously stormed The Black Gate and defeated Mordor’s hordes. But that counted for nothing here. Today, he had to make it through the gates of the adjoining school to get to college; the creatures lurking here were far worse than anything the Dark Lord could throw at him. Tomas managed to negotiate his way passed the sideways glances and finger pointing, before reaching the graffiti splattered wall, favored by the lowlifes. Any hope of an easy ride was quickly dashed. The last person he wanted to see, didn’t miss the opportunity.

Greg called out, “Hey! Tom-ass!” Tomas kept walking. “Oi, Pizza Face! I hear your mum needs a new car.” The gang sitting on the wall laughed. He tried to ignore them, but Greg hadn’t finished, “And a new man.” Tomas looked at the ground and increased his pace, but this only spurred Greg on. He jumped off the wall, the others followed. Greg bumped his shoulder against Tomas, almost knocking him over.