"You're back!" His mother said. "How did the hospital visit go?"

Gabriel grinned as he entered the house. "It went good!" He began untying his shoelaces.

"Did you clear things up with Jonan?"

"I think..." he paused, reflecting. "I think I did. I think I finally did the right thing."

His mother grinned, "I'm proud of you. Just wait until I tell your dad."

Gabriel set his shoes beside the door and stopped. "Mom...please, could you keep it from Dad. I don't want him to know I went to visit Jonan today."

"Gabriel, dear, I know your dad can be strict sometimes, but he really does love you."

Gabriel kept his eyes on the floor. He has heard this many times, and been hoping many times, and disappointed many times.

At some point, he had stopped listening because he understood there was no way he was good enough for his father and thus unworthy. But that was okay because he knew he deserved everything his father said. It was okay because the fact is, his father never abused him. Gabriel had a roof over his head, food to eat, and family dinners with all members present, and that was more than he could wish for. And that was what he told himself, every single time.

"I know," he lied. "But please. Mom."

She looked away, but a nod of her head said all.

"Thanks, mom," Gabriel said and made his way up the stairs. When he returned to his room, he collapsed onto his bed.

He finally did it! He knew it wasn't enough to make up for everything, but it was something, and the first time Gabriel felt he had control over something. Of course, he didn't want to go through something like that again. No, thank you.

Maybe people are capable of change, he thought. Perhaps I can change.

Gabriel pulled out the notebook, and to his surprise, the writing he had seen before was gone entirely. He sat at his desk and examined the pages under his fluorescent light. There wasn't even an indent left.

That is until he flipped to where the old writing once ended, and new text began.

And that balloon popped.