Tsunami

Troy pulled into his childhood home's driveway and parked.

He pushed his sunglasses up onto his nose and smiled.

'No cars.Good.'

He had graduated from boarding school, but, refrained from telling his parents so he could surprise them.

He unlocked the back door with a long-forgotten key stuffed in the recesses of his bags.

He walked slowly upstairs, savoring the memories he had almost forgotten.

3 years since he had last been home to see his parents and twin sister.

Troy knocked on his sister's door, "Angela? I'm home."

When there was no answer, he pushed the door open a little wider.

'Hmmm, looks empty.'

He shrugged, and was about to go out, when he spotted a white, unopened envelope on her bed. "What on Earth?"

He picked it up, eyeing the addressee.

'Mom & Dad.'

His stomach did a backflip.

"Oh no.Please no."

He carefully slit it open and hesitantly read the letter.

'Dear Mom and Dad: I'm really sorry, but, I just can't take it anymore. I am going somewhere where I'll be safe. Please don't worry about me; I can take care of myself.'

Troy sat down, uninvited tears slid down his cheeks as he continued.

'I have my credit and debit cards with me, so I won't have to worry about food and lodging. Please don't cut it off. I swear I won't use it for anything but necessities. I am going to attend school and maybe even college. I will come home someday when I cool off, but, please, just let me be alone for awhile. I love you both so much. Never forget that. Love, Angela.'

Troy curled up on Angela's bed, shuddering with tears and grief. He got up after an hour long crying session, resolve hardening in his chest.

'I will find you, Angela. I swear it!'