Both you and Simon lived in a very rundown, underfunded council estate in Manchester. Every house was practically condemnable. Piles of black bin bags and wheelie bins were outside on the streets waiting for bin day. Kids played on the small strip of glass; it was unattended but directly outside the houses. Out behind the homes, in the lane, were teenagers snogging or smoking joints.

Simon was a typical teenage rebel. Self done piercings, dark hair, oversized clothing. His father had abused him for many years, and becoming the way he was almost a form of protecting himself.

The two of you were … But it was a complete secret! If anyone found out you were together, that you were gay, you would be kicked out. Left to just die on the street. And so the two of you told nobody.

It was fine, at first, hooking up when nobody was home. But after a while the secrecy ate away at both of you, you just wanted to be together like a ‘normal’ couple. Simon had pretended to date a few girls, just for appearance! You were jealous, but you weren’t actually together or anything … it was mostly just hook ups. Deep down you knew that was because you were both terrified of falling in love and no longer being able to hide your connection.