Amy was a boon during those last two years when it came to studying. We certainly grew closer as she'd just been through it all so could give me plenty of advice. And my relationship with Katie was so much better, even our parents were gobsmacked. The dinner table was lively, when I was around, everyone chatting and laughing away. I was almost left thinking it was either a way of giving me good memories when I left, or a subtle way to have me stay at home.

I was 17 when I started my final year at high school, still intent on departing for the United Kingdom in two...