School - an institution designed to educate politically correct citizens. For some, it was a place to show off their new shoes, make new friends and mingle at every conceivable party. For others, however, it served as a kind of prestige status. An integral part of the path to education and better future prospects. Possibly gaining parental attention by boasting about good grades.

For thirds, it remained a place of torture. An unnecessary obligation dragging them down like a drowning man. Colin definitely identified most with the third type. It's not even about the sheer demands on students, or getting up early. Really if his only problem was slipping out of bed at 6am then he wouldn't complain.

Reality, however, was brutal, especially for those who, according to others, stood out unnecessarily. And he had always been a little different. Even as a child he was much more sensitive than the others. While other kids going to the blackboard simply whined under their breath, he had to run to the toilet to get the tears out of his eyes...and the contents of his stomach. While the other kids were playing with each other, he preferred to sit in the corner drawing something on his fingers. While others were experiencing their first dates, he was practically having a heart attack as soon as he found himself in the presence of an attractive woman.