Narrated by Jim:

When I moved to Robert's house, I had to make sure to take the most important things: my toothbrush, my clothes, my school books, and among all those things was my portable console. It was a gift from my uncles last Christmas when I visited them, and it has provided me with entertainment ever since I took it out of the box. But something happened. I left the console games at my father's house. So, if I wanted to use it again, I’d need to buy new games. Fortunately, I also took my money when I left, enough to buy cheap second-hand games at the video game store. Therefore, today I’m going to the store to see if I can get some games and maybe even get one for free, because many times they’re just thrown away. So, let's see what I can find.

Robert: Where are you going?

Jim: I'm going to the mall to buy games for my console.

Robert: Oh, okay. Hey, if it’s not too much trouble, could you bring us some juice? I'll pay you when you get back.

Jim: Alright. See you later.

Today is Sunday, so Robert and Jack aren’t working today, though Jack left early this morning wearing his work shirt, which is odd. The stores also close earlier today, so I have to get there early so they don’t close in my face like other times.

I was sitting in my seat on the bus, getting excited because who doesn’t like video games, especially when they’re cheap. I spent the entire ride thinking about which game I would buy until I arrived and got off the bus. I wandered through the large and wide halls of the mall searching for the hidden video game store until I finally found it. Upon entering, I went straight to the discount game shelves. There were many options, but I ultimately decided on two games, each costing ninety-nine cents. They were bad games, but entertaining for me.

After paying, I left the store and headed to the supermarket. The wind hit me from above, the kind that makes you want to stay at the door, but it was getting late and, as I said, today is Sunday, so they would close soon. I went to the refrigerated section and started looking for the juice.

Jim: Let's see, it should be here.

While searching for the cheapest one, I noticed someone approaching. At first, I didn’t pay much attention, but when I heard the voice complaining about blurry vision, my heart sank.

It was... Dad?

I tried to avoid making eye contact. Everything felt strange, and the already cold air felt even colder, but after a while, he noticed me. An uncomfortable atmosphere began to fill the place, and as I was about to leave, he said something.

Jim's father: At least you could have the decency not to show your face today.

I stayed silent, trying to keep calm. But then he spoke again.

Jim's father: So, you’re just going to stay silent, huh? That’s what I thought. You always were and always will be a coward. What, got nothing to say?

Jim: Just shut up, jerk!

Jim's father: What did you call me?

Jim: Jerk! Isn’t that what you wanted me to say?

Jim's father: How dare you call your father that?

Jim: Father? You don’t care about me at all. Do you really expect me to respect you after treating me so poorly at home? I always tried to please you by being the best at everything: a good son, good grades, well-behaved. And what did I get from all that? Nothing! I was just a puppet in your perfect dollhouse, and you couldn’t even achieve that. You know why? Because you ruined everything with your selfishness and ignorance, and that’s exactly what you are!

Jim's father: Jim, stop it! And come back to my house now. —At that moment, he grabbed my hand, but I pushed his hand away.

Jim: No! I have a home now where I’m loved and accepted, so I’m not coming back! And you know what? I’d rather be happy than live a lie under your roof.

After saying that, I turned around and headed to the checkout while watching him just stand there, glaring at me with a face full of fury and rage. After that, I left the mall and got on the bus that would take me close to Robert and Jack’s house—my new home.