Inside My Head

by Jim Carrington

  A few minutes later, there’s a knock at my door. I sit up. Mum comes in. She’s got tears in her eyes. She comes and sits down on my bed. She wipes the tears away with her sleeve and looks at me. And I feel like I want to be sick. I don’t ever want to hear what she’s gonna say.

  ‘Margaret’s just phoned.’

  Oh shit. I look down at the floor. My heart beats like mad. My temples feel like someone’s pressing them with their thumbs.

  ‘Gary’s come home.’

  .

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to thank all the staff on Bath Spa University’s MA in Writing for Young People, where this novel was started. In particular I would like to thank Jonathan Neale for his excellent advice, encouragement and enthusiasm. I’d also like to thank Alex D., Alex H., Elen, Janine, Liz, Matt and Sue. Lastly, I would like to thank Emma and Caroline for the faith they have shown in me.