I step out the exam hall, and everyone around me’s saying “oh that was so easy!”, “I think I did great!”, “I cooked”.

All I can think is, that was the most horrible exam I’ve ever done in my life. How am I meant to remember how to expand brackets? Or factorise quadratics? This is big brain stuff!

Old, always smiling, fake teeth Mr Spotley walks up, bares his teeth at me, I guess it was meant to be friendly, and says “All over now? Was that your last exam?”

And it hits me. I’m done. I’m finished. I am finally free.

I believe for the first time, I smile to a teacher, and agree.