I imagined the shame I’d experience, entering the bustling schoolyard wearing the girl’s uniform and everyone pointing and laughing at me.

I buried my head beneath my duvet and longed for another reality,

but all I could think about was the prospect of having to wear girls clothes both in and out of school.

A short while later, Mum entered and said

“Good morning girls…

I hope you have had a nice sleep!”

in an altogether too chirpy tone as she opened the curtains and flooded the room with light.

She made us wear our nighties whilst we ate breakfast,

then announced it was time to get ready for school.

Peter asked if we had to dress as girls.

“Well, since you’ve both been good girls…

so far,” she said, looking at each of us sternly.