Christine looked downcast but nodded her agreement.

*

Back on the front line Tom was in full flow chanting away and waving his placard. Maggie was thrilled to see him come alive. The moment was short-lived as she spotted his father, a moment before he did, powering towards Tom like a Pendolino train at full tilt.

Maggie strode over and reached Tom at the same time Paul did. She stood to one side so Tom knew she was there if he needed her. ‘What the bloody hell are you doing?’ Paul shouted at Tom.

Tom lifted his chin. ‘I’m saving our library.’ Tom brought the placard down to rest on the ground and form a barrier between them.

Paul threw his hands up. ‘You had an interview! What the hell are you playing at?’

‘I’m sorry, Dad. I don’t want to work there. I told you that,’ said Tom, his voice calm and reasonable.

‘No you didn’t!’

‘I did. You chose not to hear me.’

‘Bloody hell, Tom! You need to grow up. You could have lost this job if I hadn’t told them you were sick.’

‘Dad. Please listen. I’m not going to work at the dog food factory. I’m going to university.’

Paul looked like he was going to explode. ‘Not this again.’

‘I’ve looked into university entry requirements and I’ve chosen what A level subjects I’m doing. I am staying on at school because I want to get a decent job…’ Paul went to say something but Tom held his hand up to stop him. ‘I know there are jobs at the factory and if all this comes to nothing then that’s where I’ll go, but at least let me try for a place at university. I think it’s what Mum would have wanted.’

A heavy silence claimed the space between them. Paul’s frown deepened.

‘Can I get you some cake and a coffee?’ said Maggie, touching his arm and drawing his attention away from Tom, who was sweating.

‘What? No,’ he said, doing a double take at Maggie. ‘All right?’

‘Yes, thanks,’ she said, standing closer to Tom. ‘Tom’s worked incredibly hard on his GCSEs and here he is standing up for something he believes in. I know I have no right to be but I’m incredibly proud of the lad and you must be too.’

Paul opened and closed his mouth like someone had put him on mute. Tom turned and gave Maggie a smile. ‘Thanks, Maggie.’

The continued silence from Paul was worrying. Maggie wasn’t sure if he was going to lash out or stalk off. She felt for Tom. He had worked his socks off with his schoolwork and he’d helped get the petition trending on Twitter – whatever that was.