When Joey was 16, he decided to leave his countryside home to chase his dreams, leaving behind his widowed mother, Flora. Thirteen years later, he returned, hoping to reunite with her but found only a deserted house and a half-burnt note.
As a teenager eager to explore beyond his rural surroundings, Joey penned a heartfelt letter to Flora before he left: “Dear Mom, By evening, you’ll be back, but I won’t be home. No, I wasn’t kidnapped; I just finally decided to run away. No matter how far I go, I’ll always love you. I’m sorry. Take care. With Love, Joey.”
Joey took a final look at the familiar farm—the squawking hens, the tall trees—without realizing how much he would miss it. With a heavy heart, he turned away from the life he knew, not once glancing back. Flora, unaware of Joey’s plans, spent the day tending the farm, waiting in vain for her son who never returned.
Joey loved his mother dearly but felt confined by their farm life. He dreamed of becoming a doctor, a dream he felt he couldn’t achieve if he stayed. His suggestions to sell the farm and move to the city went unheeded, as Flora was deeply attached to the land and the memories of Joey’s late father. Left with no choice, Joey left to pursue his aspirations, even at the cost of leaving his mother and their home behind.
As he reached the highway, ready to hitchhike, thoughts of his mother’s plans for dinner filled his mind. He started his journey to the city, pondering the risks. His friend Dan had promised him a job to kickstart his new life. Upon arriving downtown, Joey called Dan from a payphone. Dan directed him to his house, but Joey was shocked by the $30 taxi fare. Even though he was worn out from the expensive and exhausting day, Dan welcomed him warmly. Joey confessed his uncertainty, feeling disheartened. Dan reassured him of his support, telling Joey not to worry about rent until he settled into his grocery store job. Joey’s hopes lifted as he asked eagerly when he could start.
Dan’s assurances about the job and the opportunity to earn decent money kept Joey hopeful. However, he soon realized the demands of his new life outweighed those of his old one. Despite the thrill of receiving his first paycheck, he couldn’t shake the urge to call Flora and share his small success. But fear of being talked into returning home held him back. He convinced himself to wait till he earned more money. Then came the surprise on payday when Dan asked for a thousand dollars for rent and food, nearly all of Joey’s earnings. The harsh realization of barely getting by dimmed Joey’s dreams of college.
One day, while taking a break for lunch, Joey witnessed an elderly man slipping on an icy patch. He rushed to help and provided the man with water. The old man, Mr. Clark, introduced himself and handed Joey a business card, praising him and asking him to get in touch. Unsure, Joey pocketed the card. Later, he decided to meet Mr. Clark, who greeted him warmly. Mr. Clark revealed he managed a scholarship fund for ambitious young people like Joey, offering full coverage including accommodation and food. The prospect of studying without financial burdens seemed too good to be true, but Mr. Clark’s sincerity was evident.
Driven by gratitude and a renewed determination, Joey buried his hesitation in contacting Flora. Years passed as Joey focused on his studies, eventually graduating as a doctor. He celebrated with Mr. Clark, who toasted his success and voiced his pride, mirroring Flora’s likely pride. Joey promised to return home soon.
Joey finally drove back to his hometown, feeling excited. But upon arrival, he was shocked by the desolate state of the house. Overgrown grass and thick dust on windows greeted him. Panic set in as he called out for his mother. After repeatedly calling Flora’s number to no avail, Joey’s regret and fear escalated. Desperate, he searched the house until he found a half-burnt letter in the fireplace, addressed to him. His eyes filled with tears as he read Flora’s heartfelt plea, yearning for his return.
Determined to find Flora, Joey sought help outside. He encountered Mr. Colins, their old neighbor, who revealed that Flora had been taken to the hospital. Joey thanked him and rushed off, hoping and praying for her well-being. Bursting into Flora’s hospital room, Joey called out for her. Flora, upon seeing him, embraced Joey tightly, overjoyed and in tears. Joey, overwhelmed with emotion, apologized for his prolonged absence, fearing he had disappointed her.
Flora gently brushed aside his apologies, eager to hear about his life. Joey narrated his struggles and achievements, crediting Mr. Clark’s scholarship for his success. He promised to rebuild the farm and invited Flora to stay with him in the city until the house was restored. Flora agreed immediately, and after so many years of separation, they couldn’t bear to be apart even for a moment.
