??It??s okay, Mum, I can do it. Please just, please go and sit back down.??
Simon was close to tears, but was determined not to give his mother the satisfaction of letting her see she??d upset him. Concentrating hard on the great time he was going to have with his uncle later that night, Simon bundled the sheets into the washer, added powder and set it going.
After hurriedly downing a bowl of cereal, communicating as little as he could with his mother, Simon set out for school.
??Now, children,?? Simon??s form teacher said after the register had been taken, ??Does anyone know what today is???
A number of hands went up??although Simon knew, he didn??t want to draw attention to himself??so he kept his hand down.
??Yes, Bobby,?? the teacher pointed to one of Simon??s friends.
??Miss, Miss, it??s when we burn the guy and let off loads of bangers and stuff.??
??Yes, that??s right, but does anyone know who ??the guy?? is meant to be???
Fewer hands went up this time.