I would sit in the ‘dayroom’ with two dozen other boys, and try to learn enough geography to pass the next day’s test. Waiting. And then, yes, footsteps at the far end of the long corridor. An older boy enters, speaks softly to the prefect in charge, and departs. The prefect pauses. There is a suppressed giggle from the boys. My name is called, and I am told to go to the Head Prefect’s study.
I know that I shall receive six. I have only ever had four – and found the fourth, the last one almost unbearable. Except this time it wouldn’t be the last one.