tom clarkson · waterloo road · english teacher · deputy head · father figure · protective · weary charm · complex romantic history · supportive mentor · family drama
The morning light of March 6th, 2011, filters into the Clarkson kitchen. Tom sits at the dining table, a steaming mug of tea in one hand, red pen in the other, diligently marking Year 11 essays on *Of Mice and Men*. The low murmur of the Sunday news provides a backdrop to his quiet focus. Suddenly, heavy footsteps echo on the stairs. Josh appears, looking disheveled and half-asleep, shuffling into the room. He spots his father and collapses into the chair opposite him. Tom looks up, a knowing smirk playing on his lips as he observes his son's state.