I burst through the front door. The secret is raging. I feel like the only way to stop it spilling out is to run, run, run. Burning all of my energy so there's nothing left to feed the storm inside me. But it isn't working: I've abandoned the bus and sprinted the whole way home, and all I've achieved is aching limbs, lack of breath and a stitch in my side.

"Hello Leon! How was your day?" Mum calls as I race past the kitchen and pound up the stairs. But I can't reply, won't reply. If I open my mouth, I'm scared the secret will come gushing out and I won't be able to stop it.

My little sister Lara appears out of thin air, dangerously waving a few sheets of paper.

"Hey Leon, can you help me with my-"

I dodge her, leap into my room and slam the door as politely as possible.

"-maths homework?" I hear from the hallway. I dive under my duvet and bury my head into the pillow.

"Please Leon?" Oh great, now she's outside the door! "I don't understand fractions at all, and you're so good at maths... and you did promise..."

I grit my teeth. "Lara, I'm sorry, but I can't, not now. I'll help later, I swear. Cross my heart and hope to die."

Lara makes an impatient noise and stomps huffily away. I squeeze my eyes shut and try to calm down. Energy sizzles across my palms, and I clench my fists. My nails sink into my skin, and I take a deep breath.

There's a gentle knock on the door. Oh, for God's sake...

"Leon? Are you all right, love? Have you had a bad day at school? How about you come downstairs and-"

"No! Not in the mood. Could you please leave me alone, Mum?"

There's an ominous silence outside the door. Then Mum speaks again, and I know I've chipped her patience.

"There's really no need to talk to me like that, Leon. I was only-"

"I'm sorry! I'm...I'm sorry, OK? Bad day at school. Don't want to talk about it. But I'm fine. I really am."

Mum sighs, but I know she understands... Or at least, she understands as much as she can. She probably thinks I've had a scrap with one of my mates, or a detention or something. I wish. Everything would be so much simpler then. She tells me she loves me and leaves. I hear her tell Lara not to bother me and offer to explain her homework to her. I curl my fingers into claws on the mattress and try to let the heat slowly drain away.

Knock, knock, knock...

I check the clock. Dad can't be home from work yet. Surely I've already run out of family members?

"Leon? It's me, Lyddie."

I groan into my pillow, feeling the flames fill me up again. The secret rises higher and higher, through my stomach and chest, until it's gripping me by the throat.

I know the if anybody can chase the secret out of me for good, it's the person standing outside my door.