16-year-old Joey runs away from home to pursue his dreams, leaving his widowed mother behind. Thirteen years later, he returns home to see his mother but is greeted by a deserted house instead, where he only finds a half-burnt note.
Joey’s hands trembled with fear and anxiety as he clutched the pen tightly, his heart racing as he began to write his goodbye note. It was for his mother.
“Dear Mom…” it began as Joey’s eyes slowly filled with tears.
Several thoughts plagued the 16-year-old boy.
He was still two years away from his 18th birthday when he would legally be considered an adult and have the option to move out and live independently.
But Joey was too ambitious to wait until turning 18 to chase his dreams. He wanted to break free right now and go in search of a future away from home.
He pressed the pen onto the paper and continued writing:
“By evening, you’ll be back, but I won’t be home. No, I wasn’t kidnapped.
I’ve just finally made the decision to run away.
No matter how far time takes me, I’ll always love you, Mom. I’m so sorry. But I have no choice.
I have to go. Take care.
With Love, Joey.”
Joey penned these heartfelt words in the letter he placed on the table next to his mom’s old sewing machine…
Joey’s mother, Flora, was out on the farm. That morning, she had even asked Joey if he could help her with uprooting beetroots and carrots in the fields.
But Joey had already planned to say goodbye to his country life that day and lied to Flora about joining her later.
Flora trusted Joey.
It was already noon, and there was still no sign of the boy. However, Flora was least worried because she knew he would always eventually come.
As she continued to toil in the fields under the blazing sun, Joey was busy packing his bag back home, ready to bid farewell to his hometown.
The loud squawking of the hens and ducks and the sight of the tall peach trees that surrounded the little farmhouse were sights Joey knew he was bound to miss. He sighed painfully, and each step started feeling heavier.
Joey knew that nothing, not even those childhood sentiments, would stop him from taking his first step toward the unknown.
His backpack was packed and strapped to his back as Joey gingerly walked outside and stood still for a moment, basking in the pleasant outdoor scene.
He inhaled the farm’s familiar scent, a mixture of manure, hay, and vegetables, and watched the ducks and hens leisurely foraging in the lush green pasture.
Unbeknownst to him, tears started brimming at the rim of his eyes. The old farmhouse stood still and quiet as Joey looked up, his heart pounding in his chest like a trapped bird.
This house was where he grew up. It was where he took his first baby steps, learned to talk, and was raised under his mother’s wings.
And now, he was prepared to leave his cozy home and world behind for a better and unknown tomorrow.
After taking one last look at the house, he turned around and walked away without once glancing back, his footsteps growing more distant.
Joey could feel his eyes tear up again, but he balled his fists together by his sides and continued walking away. Deep down, he feared his mother would catch him on the way and find out he was running away. So he scurried faster.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
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