Planet Mad

Over the past 24 hours the new term has settled gently across the village. The Houses have turned from hulking shadows to vast sources of light and noise; the smell of school food lingers in the streets; the pavements are filled with kids clutching files and books. The morning began with an abrupt start, with the nasty realisation that hitting the snooze button would only lead to tears, with the hunt for suits and shoes not worn since last year. At the moment, everyone is fresh: the beginning of term colds have yet to descend; the teachers are still smiling; the kids yet to complain about the excess of homework that they've been given. It's good to be back.