We ate in silence. But it was all right. It’s probably weird to compare silences but with Dad if he was silent it was like I was waiting for something to happen. For him to moan or shout or something. But with Maggie, it was just quiet. I liked that. I cleared the table and Maggie handed me a brown paper package. ‘I didn’t know what you did for lunch.’

‘I usually just have a slice of pizza.’

‘That’s not much. Here’s a cheese and pickle sandwich and a piece of fruit loaf. Is that enough?’

‘Yeah.’

‘Right. Now what happens after school today? Are you going home?’

I shook my head hard. The thought of it made my pulse race. ‘I can’t. Not yet.’

She nodded her understanding. ‘Then a bus leaves from the stop by the school at half four. Here…’ She handed me a ten-pound note. I hesitated. I’d not thought before but me staying here was going to cost money and it wasn’t fair that Maggie should have to pay. ‘Go on, take it. I don’t want you being late.’ I did as she asked and she guided me out of the kitchen.

‘I’ll pay you back.’ I didn’t know how.

‘I’ve got a long list of jobs for you to do so I’ll more than get my money back.’ She opened the front door.

‘Maggie…’ How did I tell her how grateful I was? How I literally had nobody else but her. For no reason at all she was taking care of me. I swallowed hard. ‘Thanks.’ I kind of mumbled it because I was scared of crying.

‘You’re welcome. Now scoot or you’ll miss that bus.’

I grabbed my bag and left.

*

It was a well weird day. It felt a bit like I was living someone else’s life. The bus made a nice change from the cycle ride I usually had. I had time to look over my revision notes again. When I walked into school Farah was with a group of girls so I didn’t stop but she ran after me.

‘How’d it go with your dad?’ she asked, her face full of concern.

How was I meant to answer that? I couldn’t face lying to her and maybe I needed someone other than Maggie to know what was happening. And I was well pleased that she’d come over to ask me. ‘Not great. I’ve moved out.’

‘Tom? That’s awful.’ Awful was the last thing it was. I felt bad because I was glad to be away from him and it was great at Maggie’s. It was a bit how I imagined a holiday in a bed and breakfast would be. But free and run by someone who actually cared about you.

‘It is what it is. Thanks for your help yesterday.’