“I am Max and my pronouns are he/him. I came out as gay to my parents and...well I guess they weren’t too pleased.” Max chuckled while looking down at his shoes, “What about you?” A train rushes between the boys and Noah lets it go before speaking.

“I’m Noah. Pronouns are he/him and I guess I just wanted some peace...so you have nowhere to go? I know I can’t do much but I could buy you some food or give you some cash? Do you have any friends you can call?”

“I appreciate your kindness and food and some cash would be nice. I don’t have any friends here yet because we only moved to this part of the country a few weeks ago. Plus, to get into a homeless shelter the council want a letter from my parents proving they kicked me out. Like that’s gonna happen. So yeah  I, pretty much screwed.” Max states.

“What school do you go to? I go to St James’.”

“I’m joining there in September!”

“Nice. Don’t be friends with anyone unless they talk to you, literally everybody will find something about you to bully you about and don’t talk to girls with their skirts rolled up and the ends of their hair dyed blonde. That’s a death trap. Oh, and don’t tell anyone you’re gay.” Noah warns, “Now, would you like to stay at my place until school starts? It’s only a week and my parents are away until Sunday.”

“Ok yeah. Yeah I’d like that. Where do you-“ Max and Noah turn to see someone’s in an orange hi-viz suit with the Network Rail logo on the back.

A) he starts to come towards them, shouting.

B) they then notice a police car parked below them on the road

C) they then see another one on the other side of them.