I've earned three badges since Colin came. Half the troop covets my harlequin sleeves. Now it's first aid, but I haven't studied enough and I'm getting things wrong. Badges are everything.

'What is the correct way to cut toenails?'

Um... There's two ways: fingers and toes. They're different, but which…? Um... around?

'No, I'm afraid it's straight across. Fingernails are cut around, cutting toenails around causes ingrowing. Did you read the chapter?'

…Yes.

'Hey don't cry; it's alright. Here, take it.'

The priceless embroidered disc: mine? Really?

'Yes.'

Gratitude fills the anteroom. Beyond the door they practice knots. I make ready to leave. Please Mum, can you sew it on tonight?

'There's just one thing I want you to do.' A strange tone.

What?

'Close your eyes and turn around.'

Why?

'Just close your eyes and turn around.' A note of urgency.

No, you'll hurt me.

His softest smile and most reassuring voice as he guides me. 'I won't hurt you. Close your eyes.'

I trust. I obey...

I relax.

His hand snakes around to devour my genitals. I feel the heat of his clutch. Electrified, I wrench away.

Woodenly, I rejoin my peers. The night ends at last. I carry my badge home to commercial break praise. And nightmares in which I fight enemies in turn, only to be utterly disabled at the moment of victory by fingers at my penis.

To be continued...