My cell vibrated – Mom.

No hello or anything, she went right away and asked, “Honey is he okay?”

“Yeah he’s fine, no soccer for a while though.”

“Oh, that’s good, do you need me to pick you up?”

“No, I’m going over to Anna’s.” I had no intention of going to Anna’s.

“Oh okay. Call me tomorrow then. I love you, bye.”

“Love you.”

Where was I going to go though? Running away while you’re in 9th grade doesn’t promise a good future for you. But it doesn’t have to be permanent, I could come back tomorrow if I really want to. I just need to get away from it all. I could do some sight seeing, I guess. I’ve lived in Ohio for my entire life and haven’t really got to see it.

So I set off. I had no destination, no food or water, and the education of a 9th grader – I didn’t have much going for me, but none of those things could tear down the mighty power of will.