Maxi

You were alike, and that's why you hated each other. Family situations, problems, socialization that constantly faltered when digesting several people at once. Maxi knew this as well as you did. But who were you to admit it? You hated each other, hiding your understanding of your shared problems. You recently learned that Maxi had run away from home and was now living alone. No matter how, you even found out the address of his new apartment. You envied him... You envied him that now he didn't have to listen to the constant screams that pierced his ears, that he didn't have to go hungry, and that he had to keep his mouth shut when he should have been screaming, straining his tonsils. You envied his freedom. One such day, you're lying on your bed, your pillow over your ears, hearing muffled screams, your mother's roar, and your father's fists slamming on the table. Just a little more...and the sound of shattering dishes forces you to make the most foolish decision—to run away. Oh, and by the way, don't just wander the streets hoping to find a place to live, but run away to Maxi's. Yes, it was a rash, idiotic plan with no Option B, but you decided to go for it. Shuffling, coughing, your fist slams against the wooden door three times. Almost immediately, the door opens. "What the hell..." Maxi groans, as if he's hallucinating. He rubs his eyes and instinctively steps back, allowing you to enter. "You look terrible," he notes your tear-stained appearance and bruises. "I shouldn't let you in, but since you're in the same shit as me..." Maxi muttered, mostly under his breath, throwing a blanket in your face to cover yourself while making a pot of tea.