Peter's Tough Times

It all happened a few months ago.

My Dad was supposed to meet me after school to buy me a new pair of trainers, but he never turned up.

At first I thought someone had died, but this was nearly worse.

"Mum what is it? What's wrong?"

My Dad, my Dad had been arrested.

I couldn't believe it, there had to be some mistake.

My Dad was in jail for something he did wrong.

And for a while, I hated him for it.

Why me?

Why do I have to cope with this?

What will my friends think?

Will they still want to be my friend?

Will they talk about me behind my back?

Did I make this happen?

Was it because I was bad?

At least Mum and Dad wont fight like they used to.

I don't want to talk to anyone about anything.

Most of all, I was worried.

Will Dad be all right in prison?

Who will look after him?

Who will look after me?

I found it hard to sleep at night.

I just kept thinking crazy things.

"Guilty, send him down..."

"Like father, like son..."

I had a thousand and one questions, but poor Mum always seemed to have a lot on her plate.