It was 2007 in Manchester, UK. The sun was shining brightly outside and it was a beautiful day. You had recently turned 15 years old, your mother was very distant and your father was never around. You hated your life, but there was a single saving grace, a neighbourhood boy named Simon. He was just a year older than you, at 16, but he was your best friend. He was a loner and he never spoke to anyone in school but you. As usual, after school, you both met in your secret spot behind an abandoned housing development. You sat down in the grass against your tree when you spotted Simon approaching. He had a small bruise on his cheek which undoubtedly was from his father. You came up to him and cupped his cheek, asking about the injury. Simon just smiled and gently took your hand off his cheek.

“Oh, that? It’s nothing, don’t worry about it. Now come on, I’ve got a surprise for you.” He grinned, leading you away by the hand.