"The shade of blue represents depression, but the contrast of the green patterns shows us how we can find solace in nature!" Mr Thomas explained, tapping his pen on a whiteboard splattered with notes and illustrations.

"Uh... No it doesn't." I said, not bothering to raise my hand.

"Ah, enlighten me then, Samuel. What wondrous secret have you hidden in the passage?"

"Well, I don't want to freak you out with my genius-"

Mr Thomas leaned forward in anticipation like a football fan watching a penalty. His eyes gleamed with excitement. A student yawned.

"-but the blue actually represents blue, and the green patterns were inspired by my grandma's rug."

"A literal sense! Brilliant! I'm sure your grandma is a wonderful woman. Now, moving onto the next chapter..."

I glanced at the clock: this was going to be a long hour.