Teenage friend

I’ve always appreciated Paul’s friendship, especially during our teenage years because school in particular wasn’t easy for me. Rejection was the worst thing. I know all about the humiliation of being turned away; from sports teams, from music productions, from social clubs... I supported Paul through all those disappointments but he carried himself with dignity throughout. Actually I do know what rejection is like. I had to bribe the verger just to let me in the church today.

I first met Paul when I was fourteen years old and joined his Saturday afternoon role-playing game club. I was new to the rules and couldn't understand why Paul always got to wear the gimp suit. And as everyone here who went on his stag do will testify, it's a passion that still lurks deep.