9 Runaways

Around August of 2019, I drive across state lines to see you again, this time with everything I need for college.

Around sophomore year of high school, my best friend Jonah starts dating a girl I had a crush on, then immediately after, starts dating my ex

Around first grade, I run away for the first time, to a grove of trees. I’m angry and bitter and want my parents to worry about me.

Around my freshman year of college, you convince me to steal for the first time. I slip a tube of paint into my sweatpants pocket and walk calmly to my car, internally screaming the whole time.

Around this past summer we sit on your boyfriend Jonah’s patio, partaking in recreational substances and creating tiny dumb works of art.

Around fall of 2021 we drove to Missouri, where we visit Jake and get our third tattoos and fight. I don’t remember what the argument is about though.

Around senior year of high school, I run away again. I drive 9 hours to your arms. My parents have no clue, but they’ll find out soon and we’ll have panic attacks.