Grown Up.

The rugged cot was too narrow for him, and short. It may not seem like too big a reason for anyone, but at 2.45 AM on a Tuesday night, his disagreement against an apparent independence took shape.

A day after he turned 22, Percy declared his rebellion against the life as he knew it and left home. He didn’t run away or sneak out at night with a bag full of “essentials” like a tennis racket or 5 of his favorite books. He took that which belonged to him, which he had bought from what he had earned by working at a local café. A little, half empty backpack told him that it was far from enough but he had to get away. He rebelled against his domestic-hand status, his comparison with the elder, stronger, more-learned cousins and most importantly, his new last name. This was 10 months and 2 days ago.

“See what I mean!” is what his new father said to his mother when Percy asked, “What the hell is wrong with questioning why I need to clean the table fan every day?”

Percy didn’t run away quietly but he left a lot behind him than he thought. “You need to fly away, one day,” his mother’s words rang in his mind, “But you need to complete this open book of life and not close it before it finishes.” The sweetness in her voice kept the knife away from his wrist at all times. That which is close to us and which helps us every day with discipline turns from privilege to need, from need to demand. The demand that is mistaken for a right kills its weight in our minds and it is slowly, but surely taken for granted, because it doesn’t require to be earned with dedicated effort. The light of the sun is one good example. Mother’s love is most similar. Percy had been away without contact. His mother’s love had taught him to be strong, to share food, to wash clothes and save money. But saving money was not on the agenda. Independence and happiness were. Point #1 was achieved with a lot of regret. Point #2 was nowhere close. These thoughts were running in is head when he boarded the homebound bus.

But his expectation of a bouquet of kisses was reciprocated by hollow siren of ambulance.

Inspired by Mama Said by Metallica