The sun burns my nose as I hurry out the school gate. It’s not quite summer break yet but the weather is already gearing up for the long days of carefree grazing in the park with friends discussing hot boys, debating stupid reality tv and bitching about controlling parents.

I glance behind me to make sure no one has noticed my escape. I have been careful not to move too quickly as I don’t want to attract attention but now my pace quickens until I’m jogging as I head into the football pitches in the park adjacent to the school.

Stopping at a tree to catch my breath, I turn to see if there’s any sign behind me that I have been noticed. No movements. No sounds. Freedom!

Grabbing my bag from my back and swinging it around to my front, I open the front pocket and remove a packet of cigarettes. Popping one in my mouth I fumble for my lighter.

I sit down on a patch of sunny grass and light the cigarette. I inhale deeply and lie back, blowing smoke into the sky above me. Watching the sparse clouds creep slowly across the sky and thinking how this moment couldn’t be any more perfect, I suddenly hear a ping as my phone goes off in my pocket.

A text - “why are you not in school?”

My heart thumps. Summer was good while it lasted.