You defintely did the right thing, Reynolds. I am a teacher and am frequently confided in by the students. Despite my interruption "I have to tell you that I may need to pass this on to Mrs S" (the Child Protection Officer), they inevitably end the conversation with "you won't tell anyone, will you?" Um. Not tell anyone that you have just told me you are feeling suicidal/ your brother sexually abused you/ your dad beats up your mum. Um. Hm. I do have to pass it on. I feel a bit bad about it every time, but I also know that I am not trained to deal with this and Mrs S is. It would be highly unprofessional and very stupid of me to keep this kind of thing a secret. I suppose what I am saying is that sometimes you have to go with gut feelings... and inform the relevant authorities. I enjoy reading your blog, Reynolds. I hope, one day, you might pop by mine and say hi! Cat