helpfulhigherenglish

'Red', the character played by Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption addresses the parole board long into his sentence for a murder he committed when he was a very young man. He says he'd like to talk to his younger self, to explain how life works and about consequences. Of course, it's too late. Time, unless you drive a tricked-out Delorean and your name is Marty McFly, can't be messed with. Or what about Gatsby? He has lost five years but wants to remove it and begin from scratch. Impossible! I used to think I was Gatsby. Eternally optimistic but with a dark side best left alone. I once 'had the gats' for sure. Partied and entertained as much as I could. Loved it in fact. Watched music move in light waves towards me as I danced on a mantlepiece in a typically out-sized Georgian house. Shared a vineyard with friends. Dressed as a Blues Brother in south central Madrid. A life without consequences. And then the realisation that actually... I was Nick C...

Eight hours. The alarm on the bedside locker would bleep over and over in eight hours. Electronic carnage. Just like any other school morning. Except it would also be the beginning of the final exams.   Insomnia is a terrible affliction. A few sleepless nights is ok. I mean who hasn't stared at the ceiling, dreaming the unachievable? Who hasn't stayed awake remembering some single-use human you met at a house party? No, this was different. Stress-induced. It was what it was. The start of the rest of my life. That was all. No pressure then.  Turning the pillow over to the cool side didn't work. Thinking of the post-exam holiday in Magaluf just elevated my heart-rate. Nope, I'd have to let off some steam, vent my frustration at having this mesomorph of education hanging over me. The car.  New.  Leather-smelling.  Fast.  Outside. I love my parents. They've given me every opportunity. I've never lacked anything. If I took the car, that would end. I decide...