Tom Berry got to his feet as the Assembly rose for the school hymn. The old familiar strains of 'Lord dismiss us with thy blessing' echoed around the Great Hall.

Tom had sung the hymn with gusto and thankfulness at more end of term assemblies that he cared to remember but now he remained silent, emotion choking him.

He looked fondly around him at the youthful faces that he knew so well and at fellow Staff members dotted around the hall, pens in pockets, pencils behind ears. These were his friends, his family.

Tom looked down at the hymn book in his hands, the words blurred by unbidden tears. He winced at the sudden sharp pain and shuddered as he contemplated the forthcoming surgery that both he and the doctors knew was coming far too late.

How he wished that he could live forever in this special moment - in this place that was his home. He closed his eyes and in his mind he walked the dusty corridors that rang with laughter and the voices of children. He stood again at the blackboard, chalk in hand, sharing all the wonderful things he knew.

Now the Headmaster was reading out the final notices of the School Year before the dismissal.

Tom closed his book.