Chapter 1: The First Escape

At the age of fourteen, I made my first escape from home without notifying anyone. Armed with a mere fifteen euros, I boarded a bus to the nearest city that fit my budget. This decision came after a significant argument with my family, who preached the importance of communication while engaging in toxic behaviors. It wasn't until I disembarked and found myself standing in the street that I questioned my actions:

“What on earth am I doing?”

However, it was too late to turn back. I needed to prove a point, and distancing myself was essential. Upon returning home, I expected to feel neglected when I noticed no one seemed to care about my absence. To my surprise, I felt liberated instead. I had spent an entire day alone, free from obligations and expectations. I explored unfamiliar places, conversed with strangers, and momentarily forgot about the turmoil at home.

After that experience, I didn’t dwell on it much, but whenever my parents argued again, I recalled my initial escape and thought: I did it once; I can do it again. My subsequent departures became increasingly adventurous; I switched from bus to train, and eventually to airplane. Each fight or feeling of being misunderstood propelled me to purchase the cheapest ticket to anywhere.

The journeys were exhilarating. I relished every moment, met fascinating new individuals, and enjoyed unforgettable experiences. One day, during an unplanned trip to a quaint town in northern Italy, while sipping drinks with generous locals who invited me to join their evening, I realized that my pattern of running away had shifted in unexpected ways. I discovered that my love for exploring new environments stemmed from the fact that I was also a stranger there. I could create a new persona for myself wherever I went. The thrill of uncertainty captivated me; no one could dictate my actions or my identity. In that moment, surrounded by kind-hearted individuals who knew little about me yet showed genuine interest, I truly felt seen.

The following day, I returned home and sat down with my parents to share my experiences. They had grown aware of my escapades and, while they never attempted to stop me, they also showed little interest in my adventures. When they asked if I wanted to move away permanently, I firmly said no. Somewhere along my travels, my perspective shifted. I no longer sought to escape from my life; I traveled for the joy of it. The process of reinventing myself in every new city allowed me to uncover my authentic self and clarify my aspirations.

While the journey wasn't always smooth sailing, it fostered my growth, and I owe my development to the places and people who were oblivious to my past. Now, I eagerly look forward to future adventures with new faces waiting to meet me.

A humorous recount of running away from home, capturing the spontaneity and unpredictability of such experiences.

Chapter 2: The Joy of Reinvention

An official music video capturing the essence of running away from home, illustrating the emotions tied to seeking freedom and self-discovery.