Homecoming

Home was probably the safest place he could be then. It was in a roughish street in Kilburn, far enough away from Marcus's house that he wouldn't arouse suspicion. He would simply merge in with the local kids.

Arriving at his parent's rented house, a 'To Let' sign stood outside. Maybe they'd already moved on, but he knocked on the front door anyway.

His mother was actually delighted and relieved to see him again. She'd been devastated when he disappeared, but she'd assumed that he'd left to get away from his violent father.

But it was dad who'd got away!