By the end of the first period on Monday, Exton has already begun to close neatly around me again.
Familiarity at its finest.
Back in uniform, waffles and fruit with a cheeky side of bacon for breakfast.
Corridors full of voices and whispers of things that happened during Christmas break.
The faint smell of toast and coffee still lingering near the main hall. Jen talking at me about the latest gossip she has already heard while I debate wearing my hair up or down.
Routine always returns fast here.
By the time I walk into biology, I feel steadier, and able to shelve my lingering disappointment with West Dean, at least for the time being.
Owen is there before me, as usual, sitting on the stool beside mine. He came of age over Christmas, and it is obvious. He feels larger than before,
