Son Runs Away from Home at 16, Comes Back at 29 to Find Only a Note in Deserted House – Story of the Day
At 16, Joey, driven by dreams of a brighter future beyond his small rural town, ran away to the city, leaving a farewell note for his widowed mother, Flora, by her old sewing machine. Although he promised his enduring love, he felt confined on the farm and longed to pursue his ambition of becoming a doctor—a goal he believed was impossible if he stayed.
In the city, Joey’s initial excitement was soon tempered by the challenges of urban life: steep taxi fares, financial struggles, and the difficulty of finding stable work. With the help of a friend named Dan and a chance encounter with Mr. Clark—who offered him a full scholarship for his studies—Joey eventually achieved his dream and became a doctor.
Thirteen years later, Joey returned home, only to find the family house abandoned and overgrown. In his search for answers, he discovered a half-burnt letter from Flora, filled with regret and longing for the lost time. Urgently seeking his mother, Joey learned from a neighbor that she had been hospitalized. Rushing to her side, he reunited with her in an emotional embrace, apologizing for his long absence and sharing his success. Determined to start anew, Joey vowed to rebuild the farm and bring Flora to the city, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter together based on love, forgiveness, and hope.