Andrew sat at the edge of his bed, his brows furrowed while his black eyes glared into the empty room. That afternoon, he had just collect his preliminary results. They had not been good. They would not even entitle him to go to a polytechnic. Normally, his parents doted on him and did not comment even when the schoolteacher rang up occasionally to inform them about his misbehavior and failure to complete his homework. His father would just advise him in a kind voice to stop such misbehavior.

However, it was different this afternoon. His father’s even temper flared and he thundered as he reprimanded him. Andrew was utterly surprised at the verbal abuse he was getting. He thought his father would console him as usual and not yell at him. He was also angry with his silent mother who was throwing a look of disappointment his way.

When the clock struck midnight, Andrew could hear his parents retiring to bed. He had earlier taken all his savings, which amounted to thirty-five dollars. He event took his passbook, which contained only twenty dollars due to his excessive spending. He regretted spending so much as he needed money now to run away. He packed some clothes in a bag and sneaked out silently.

Joseph was waiting patiently for him at a twenty-four hour coffee shop. Andrew was relieved to see him. Joseph brought Andrew to his home and they sneaked in with their hearts hammering frantically. Once inside Joseph’s room, Andrew relayed what had happened that afternoon at his home.

The next day, Andrew waited at the fast food restaurant for Joseph once school was over. Joseph informed him about his parents coming to school to look for him.

Andrew retorted, “Serves them right! I knew that they were going to do that!”

Joseph also said that they looked really worried and advised him to go home. Stubborn and persistent, Andrew refused.

After a good night’s sleep at Joseph’s, Andrew sat at the park after devouring his breakfast at the nearby coffee shop unconcerned about the trouble he had stirred up. Little did he know that his parents were out of their wits trying to locate him and that they had gone to the police station after searching in him in vain.

Andrew slept at the park as Joseph’s parents were starting to question him about Andrew so he told Andrew to stay away for the time being. It started to rain so he awoke and ran for shelter. He decided to buy a hot drink but found that his wallet was missing. He ran out frantically looking for it in the dark. He then realized that it had been stolen and he was hungry and all alone.

As he sat in the park, letting the rain splatter all over, he suddenly realized how foolish he was to get angry with his parents for something he really ought to be blamed for. He realized how unappreciative he had been of his parents and was filled with remorse.

The next morning, Joseph found him on the way to school and persuaded him to go home. To his relief, Andrew agreed.

That afternoon, Joseph offered to walked him home but Andrew shook his head and told him firmly, “No, I will handle the matter myself. Thanks anyway.”

When he reached his apartment, he found his parents looking drowsy and worried. His father was not like his clean self, with his face unshaven. His mother was sitting next to the telephone, almost falling asleep.

His deep breathing startled them and Andrew could see relief and happiness written all over their faces. Seeing that his immature act had caused so much pain for them, he deeply regretted running away. He promised to change for the better and to make his parents proud of him.