I see flames. Curling, spiralling up towards me. I try to move but my limbs refuse to save me. I feel them eating away at my flesh, unrelenting in their quest for pain. I scream
I then awake to the beeping of an alarm clock. I'm covered in sweat, my hands shaking. i slowly sit up and view my surroundings. I'm in a room with boxes everywhere, no posters on the walls. I then realize that Ive awoken in a new country. Miles away from my homeland, my friends and my old life. I'm in Australia.
I climb out of bed and call for my sister. "Hey Becky! where's the shower in this place?" As per usual i get no response. I pull on a pair of jeans i find on the ground and walk towards the door, combing my blond hair with my fingers as i do so.
I find my family sitting at the table eating breakfast."Oi son, who are you trying to impress? There ain't no poof blokes in here!" Says my father. My father is a homophobic. Ever since i came out of the closet he has ridiculed and tried to change me. He tried to kick me out of the house once. the only thing between the cold London streets and me is my mother.
i reached into the pantry and find it empty. same for the fridge. My brother tries to join my fathers insults by saying "no food for mardi gras boys in here." he smiles, happy with himself until mum cuffs him over the back of the head.
with this small victory i decide to go and get ready for my first day at Kings-worth college.