Jaden and Max had to go see the principal, Mr Merrick, in his office. Max sat in the corner looking at the floor while the principal made Jaden say sorry. It sounded fake. But when Mr Merrick told Max to look up, he saw Jaden was scared. Then Mr Merrick told Jaden to get out—just like that. When Jaden was gone, Mr Merrick said, ‘Jaden’s not allowed anywhere near you, Max, do you understand? And he’s not to speak to you. Not any time. You’re safe now, son.’

Max nodded. He wanted to tell the principal he wasn’t his son, but decided not to. Mr Merrick must be confused.

At recess Max hung out on his own. He sat on a bench and ate the chocolate Mum had put in his lunchbox. Jaden and Callum kept away, but they weren’t the only ones. Everyone kept away. Did that mean Max didn’t have friends? Jaden stared at him from across the playground, and Max’s heart started thumping. Then Jaden looked away. He didn’t smirk or poke out his tongue. He didn’t do anything.

Lily Moon came over with her halo of blonde hair. She sat down beside Max, and he didn’t know what to say so he gave her a piece of chocolate. ‘Can I see your bruises?’ Lily asked. ‘Mum said Jaden was kicking you.’

Max pulled up his trousers and showed her. The bruises were fading.

‘Jaden’s a fuckwit,’ Lily said. ‘Mum says he made you steal stuff and smoke cigarettes. Is it true?’

Max nodded.

‘If he comes after you again, let me know and I’ll punch him.’

Max was impressed. He’d never talked much to Lily before, but now she might be his friend.

‘I heard a dog saved you,’ she said.

Max shook his head. ‘We saved each other. We kept each other warm.’

‘Mum said you hid at the tip. Were you going to live there?’

‘No, I was going up to the mountains.’

‘Will you run away again? If you do, I’ll come with you.’

‘Not for a while.’ He was pleased she had offered. ‘But when I do, you can come.’

The school bell rang; it was time to go in. Max picked up his lunchbox and started back alone to his classroom. But Lily Moon grabbed his hand and walked with him.

Just outside the classroom, she said, ‘Are you going to the rally on Sunday?’

‘I suppose so.’ He’d forgotten about that.

‘Good.’ She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.