I can remember there being sun – enough to cast long shadows on the cement. The sky was a crisp, clear blue, contrasting beautifully with the circling crows, searching for discarded scraps of food.

Like the crows, I circled. Around and around, then under the play structures, just in case. The people I ate lunch with liked to hang out on the play structures. I knew I was welcome to join them, if I asked.

I just hoped they’d ask.

I just hoped they’d notice me.

They didn’t notice.

There were shrieks of laughter, cries of joy – friends, happiness.

But I didn’t get that.

I was alone.

And that’s when I knew it was over …

And that I had to start again.