Joey, 16, leaves home to pursue his dreams after his mother’s widowhood. After thirteen years, he returns home to discover the house deserted and a partially burned message.

Joey left his parents’ house at 16 because he was ambitious and wanted more than his small-town life. He wrote goodbye to his mother Flora’s old sewing machine.

“Mom, I’m not going home until nightfall but you are. Joey wrote, “No, I wasn’t kidnapped; I just finally decided to run away.”

Wherever I go, I’ll always love you. I’m sorry. Take care. I love Joey.”

Joey knew he would miss the sight of the tall trees encircling the farm and the loud squawking of the hens and chickens.

He had his filled bag fastened to his back.

Joey turned around and left without looking back, having taken one final glance at the home he and his mother had shared since his father’s passing.

Flora spent her day waiting for the son who had promised to help but had never shown up on the farm, unaware of Joey’s plans.

Joey adored his mother, but the rural life confined him. He believed staying would prevent him from becoming a doctor.

Flora refused to sell the farm and go to the city due to her ties to the place and memories of his father. Since he was determined to succeed, Joey had to leave his mother and their way of life.

He thought of his mother’s supper plans and her voice as he approached the highway to hitchhike to the city.

***

Joey entered the city. He considered his decision and the risks of taking the bus. Dan, his friend, promised him a job to start his city life.

Joey promptly called his friend on a payphone downtown. Dan suggested he take a taxi to his place, but Joey was astonished to pay $30 for the short ride. He was glad to be welcomed at Dan’s after a nearly broken and frustrating voyage.

After that costly and hard day, he lost hope. “I came here with big dreams, but now I’m not sure,” Joey remarked, slumping.

Dan reassured him that he wouldn’t charge rent until Joey was settled in the grocery store. Assurance, “You’re going to be fine,” “You’ll earn enough to cover your expenses soon.”

Joey felt better following his friend’s comments. His anxious inquiry was, “When can I start?”

“Don’t worry, it’s a great opportunity, and you’ll make good money,” he said.

Unfortunately, Joey quickly found his new life’s responsibilities were greater than those back home. He wanted to call his mother, Flora, more than his first paycheck.

He wanted to share his success but was afraid of being persuaded to return home.

“I’ll make more money, then I’ll call her,” Joey persuaded himself, seeing the money as a step toward his medical degree.

He was disappointed when Dan reminded him of the rent and food expenditures on payday and unexpectedly demanded $1,000, practically all of Joey’s wages.

Winter was hard and his money barely covered his needs, making Joey’s college goals distant. He worried, “What am I going to do?”

Joey observed an elderly man fall on an ice road on his way to lunch. Helping the man swiftly, he supplied water. Mr. Clark introduced himself, appreciated Joey’s thoughtfulness, and gave him a card to call him.

Joey saw Mr. Clark, who told him he offered a full scholarship with travel and lodging allowances to kids like Joey. Joey couldn’t believe it, but Mr. Clark was honest. The news overwhelmed Joey, who hesitated to tell his mother.

Thirteen years later, Joey and his father hailed his success. Joey’s accomplishments made Mr. Clark think, “Your mother would be proud too.”

Joey, eager to see his mother, bought her a little house. The house’s deterioration, as if abandoned for years, surprised him upon arrival.

The grass around it was overgrown, and the windows had two inches of dust. Joey was scared as he exited his car and approached the front door.

“Mom! Mom!” he shouted as he barged through the door after banging without response.

The house was as empty as the exterior, and Joey’s concerns doubled as he searched for his mother. No one answered when he called his mother’s number multiple times.

Joey regretted not phoning her all these years, recognizing he was a fool.

“Is-is she—” unable to express his ideas and unsure what to do if they were real. He kept examining the home, checking every corner.

Joey found a half-burned letter in the fireplace before quitting up. He grabbed it immediately and was shocked to see his name on top.

Reading it made him cry:

“Dear Joey, Miss you a much. You left me—why? I would have joined you if I knew you’d leave.

Please return. No one can replace you. Silence kills me. My heart aches without you. I wish—”

The rest burned to ashes.

Joey went outdoors and spotted their former neighbor after wiping his eyes.

“Mr. Colins,” Joey wailed, “I’m looking for my mother.”

Are you Flora’s son? Who fled thirteen years ago?” Frowning, Mr. Colins asked.

“Yes. Where’s she? Did she speak?” Joey shuddered.

Mr. Colins reported her hospitalization. Joey thanked him and ran. “Please… be alright, Mom,” he whispered in the taxi.

He went to Flora, shouting “MOM!”

Flora opened her eyes and embraced him. “JOEY… my boy!” she exclaimed cheerfully.

He collapsed. “I’m sorry for not calling or visiting sooner,” he said, “I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

Flora smiled, “Joey, tell me everything. She played with his hair, “I miss your voice.

Joey went from struggling to becoming a doctor on Mr. Clark’s scholarship. Flora was invited to live with him.

Flora agreed quickly. They did not want to be apart again after years.

As her father opens his eyes and stands up, a child urges the doctor to turn off his life support, saying, “I knew it!”