‘My photo upset them?’ I ask, trying to make sense of it. Ms Nouri has spent the entire year telling us art is supposed to make us feel something. ‘I don’t get it. Why didn’t I get called into the principal’s office?’

‘It was thought best that I discuss it with you. Break the news to you gently.’ Ms Nouri attempts a laugh and sounds nothing but bitter. It dawns on me that Mrs Christie has made her do this. ‘I can still accept the piece as your final project, though. Your grade won’t be affected at all.’

I think of all the guidance Ms Nouri gave me, the suggestions, the extra attention. Maybe she had been doing that for everyone, though. Here I was thinking I was someone special.

‘What do you think?’ The ice floes melt, and all of a sudden I flood, turn to water. ‘Do you think I did something wrong?’

My cheeks are wet, my eyes spilling over. I don’t care about dignity anymore.

I spent every bit of my money I had. I endured awkward exchanges with Natalia. I barely went outside all holidays. Tears fall onto my school tights, soaking my legs.

‘I’m in a difficult position, Chloe. I can’t talk as freely as I’d like.’ Ms Nouri rolls her chair closer and pats my shoulder. ‘I can tell you though, that you’ve done nothing wrong.’

‘But I’m disqualified from the prize.’

‘Yes.’

It’s true that Balmoral isn’t for people like me. They let you think for a moment that it is, that you’re on equal footing to them, and the whole time it’s not true.

I knew I’d never get that prize or money. I shouldn’t have bothered.

‘You didn’t tell Mrs Christie what you think, though. You didn’t tell her you think I’d done nothing wrong. You—’

But I’m hiccup-crying too hard to get the words out so I stand up, wipe my face.

‘It’s so unfair.’

‘My hands are tied, Chloe.’ Ms Nouri fusses about on her desk, finds an envelope and hands it to me. ‘Please understand that, I want you to—’

I leave without saying more, I can barely see or think. I crush the envelope in my fist.

Ms Nouri’s office door slams shut behind me and then I’m face to face with Marley and Ally, who are huddled against a wall nearby, looking intently at Marley’s phone.

They’ve been waiting for me. No longer strangers or enemies, but not friends either.

‘Chloe? Are you okay?’

I march away from Ally’s worried voice.

‘What’s happened? Chloe? Talk to us.’

She calls my name until I turn the corner, already searching for a place to be alone.