Last day of term and it was my birthday. Sixteen today. We as a family didn't go in for big celebrations or the like, just the odd card and present and maybe the odd kiss and cuddle. As usual I got myself up for school and made myself breakfast. When I'd finished I called out to Mum to say "goodbye", as usual there was no reply. She would be still asleep. My elder sister was in college and would be staying with her friend...

I was taking Friday off as I'd had a hard week. After a long lay in I decided to get up for lunch. Just as I was about to start and the doorbell sounded. I went to answer it Mum came in looking a bit down and tearful. She sat at the table with me chatted a bit until I asked why she looked so down. The tears started to come down her face as I tried to comfort her. "It's your Dad." she said. " He's not been near me for quit...