5605NG+Norman+Rockwell+Story

Run Away Harry

“I hate you mom! I hate you dad!I’m out!” screamed Harry, grabbing his bag and slamming the door.

“Harry, wai-,” said Harry’s mom, interrupted by the slamming door. “It’s alright,” said Harry’s dad calmly. “He’ll come running back by dinner.”

But those weren’t Harry’s intentions.

As Harry walked he kept recalling the incident that made him want to leave. It was a huge argument between him and his parents. A bunch of his friends were going to see a movie on Saturday afternoon and Harry desperately wanted to go.

“Mom, can I go see a movie with my friends on Saturday afternoon?” asked Harry.

“No. We have Aunt Linda’s birthday party,” replied his mom. After that, Harry didn’t remember much. Just a lot of screaming and anger between him and his parents. And here he was walking down the side of the highway. Starving.

Up ahead he saw a street sign that pointed to Annie’s Diner. Harry always loved Annie’s Diner, so it excited him when he saw the sign.

When Harry got there, he took a seat on a stool next to a police officer. When Officer Jenkins saw Harry’s bag on a stick, he shot the waiter a weird look. Then shot the same look to Harry.

“Howdy,” said the officer.

“Hey,” answered Harry. It seemed as if Officer Jenkins didn’t know what to say.

“I’m Officer Jenkins, Dallas PD,” said Jenkins proudly.

“That’s nice,” Harry replied without much tone.

“And you are?” asked Officer Jenkins.

“Harry,” Harry said glumly.

“What’s with the bag?” asked Officer Jenkins.

“I’m running away.”

“Why’s that?”

“I’m running away ‘cause I hate my mom and dad,” Harry mumbled. Harry then noticed that the waiter was eavesdropping their conversation.

“Do you mind?” Harry grunted to him.

“Sorry,” Officer Jenkins mouthed to the waiter.

“So, Harry, why do you hate your parents?” Officer Jenkins asked curiously.

“ ‘Cause they hate me,” Harry replied.

“I’m sure that’s not the case.”

“Yeah, well you weren’t there. My dad didn’t even seem mad that I left!”

“Harry, look. I don’t want to be the one to tell you what to do, but I think you should go home. Your parents are probably very sad that you’re gone, and very upset about whatever made you leave. Whatever you may think, Harry, your parents love you, and they don’t want you gone,” Officer Jenkins wisely stated.

“What are we, on the set of your talk show?” Harry muttered.

“Just think about it.” Officer Jenkins stood up to leave as his walkie talkie said something to him. “Someone’s speeding on the highway. I've got to go. Make the right choice, Harry.”

After about ten minutes of considering what Officer Jenkins told him, Harry got up and ran home. As soon as his parents saw him they all gave him a big hug.

“I love you, Mom! I love you, dad!” Harry exclaimed. For the rest of his life, Harry always tried to respect and honor his parents’ decisions, no matter how dumb Harry thought they were.

**Return to My Index**

Return to Home Page