Chapter 1 – Extract 7 from The Paradise Induction! 

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As he loaded up his luggage, the coldness inside his mind did not allow his negative feelings about London to come to the surface. Instead, every definitive move toward his relocation, hollowed him out.

He had chosen this. This was his choice. So why did it appear more like he was being forced out of the city he was raised in, than the great escape plan he’d wanted?

The car journey was slow, almost static, like time had come to a standstill. Spring’s cloudy, dark sky and dawn’s absence of life on the streets, complemented the eerie atmosphere.

Think of things that anger you about London, he told himself. Think of the decision you made so long ago. Remember?

But the thoughts weren’t working. The only perception that emerged was that he was being pushed out of his country. Exiled. Ostracised. Abdication—the last resort of a desperate man.

“You’re going to really enjoy it you know,” his mother said as if reading his mind and helping as best she could.

“Alright,” he mumbled.

They reached Victoria Station, unloaded his luggage, and caught the N38 Bus, heading to Green Park Tube Station.

Sitting at the back of the bus, the vehicle was as dead and empty as the rest of London.

“How were your friends about the whole thing?” his mother continued.

“Mum, I really don’t want to talk right now,” he murmured. “I’m just feeling really, really nervous.”

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