‘I know it’s distressing, Mrs Carmichael, and I don’t want to lessen the severity of the incident, but please bear in mind Joshua hasn’t taken the photo or distributed it and this will be taken into consideration along with his previous excellent track record.’

Claire nodded.

‘We also have to consider,’ continued the headmistress, ‘that this incident seems to be more experimental in nature rather than any aggressive form of sexting. Do you know if your son was romantically involved with a girl?’

Claire thought back over the last few weeks.

‘We thought he could be, yes,’ admitted Claire.

‘Is she his first girlfriend?’

‘I believe so – certainly the first one to have affected his mood so dramatically.’

‘So, he’s been acting different at home?’ asked the headmistress, eyeballing her.

‘For the last few weeks, yes. Slightly closed off.’ Claire was trying not to feel interrogated.

‘We have noticed,’ continued the headmistress, ‘that Joshua has got to know some different boys in his year, aside from his usual friends who he came up from senior school with.’

‘Different boys?’ asked Claire, puzzled.

‘Yes. This year, we received an intake from Colston Senior Boys School. There are four of them and while they’re academically strong of course, I do wonder if their… ahhh… interests might have influenced Joshua somewhat,’ explained the headmistress delicately. ‘Has Joshua ever mentioned any new friends over the last couple of months?’

‘No,’ replied Claire, bewildered. ‘He’s only ever mentioned Mark and the lads… the usual…’

Claire realised her stupidity immediately. The lads could refer to anyone and she’d simply assumed it was the same group of boys he’d hung around with all through senior school.

‘I’ll ask him about them,’ promised Claire. She felt spent and was eager to leave the heavy atmosphere of the office.

‘Yes, that might be worth doing,’ confirmed the headmistress, standing up. Claire tried not to feel chastised.

‘Let me update the school board of our conversation,’ she continued, ‘and I’ll come back to you with our recommendations. He’s with Mr Robbins now. Would you like someone to take you up to him?’

‘Yes please.’

It was clear the meeting was over, and Claire rose from her seat with what little self-assuredness she could muster. Margaret Chillton opened the office door and let Claire pass.

‘Natalie, can you take Mrs Carmichael up to Mr Robbins please – classroom four,’ instructed the headmistress before holding out her hand and shaking Claire’s firmly. ‘I’ll be in touch.’

‘Thank you,’ replied Claire. She went to Jamie, took his hand and obediently followed Natalie, her mind still trying to make sense of the conversation as they walked through the school corridors.

‘Just through here, Mrs Carmichael.’