" 
 == I could have been. == 

 Had I taken an interest in Japanese culture (and Anime) earlier in life (particularly, the 7th Grade or sooner), then due to the immense turmoil at school through having a paraprofessional that year, I would have ran away to the West Coast, so I could sneak aboard a ship to Japan, and find a better life there. 

 In fact, I plan on sending to my former High School Counselor my thoughts on this ""what if"" issue, so she can tell me what her thoughts are about this.  

 It may have been good to not run away, or it may have been good to do so and reach Japan (if circumstances and fate allowed for it). Regardless, I felt a great portion of my youth was wasted because of that year. Gone, at least 'til the day Dechronification comes along. 

 The Letter: 

 ''Dear Sue, 

 I am glad Mrs. Terri Miller gave me your email address at the Pizza Hut. College is fun and challenging at the same time. What has Chapman been like? 
 Now, I think it is time to get this “fantasy” out of the system. I regret not discussing this with you earlier, mainly because it did not cross my mind until after I reached college. 
 Remember when I had Mrs. Potter back in 7th Grade and how that school year was the most miserable ever for me? 
 Well what if the following happened: 

  
 December 1st, 1997 

 Mr. Sanborn tells me that it is a fact that Mrs. Potter will be with me for the rest of the school year, and that any further complaints about her will send me to ISS. Mrs. Potter tells me that now, she will be around me no matter what- whether I am good or not, she will be in all of my classes. The next day, I am to serve I.S.S. for whatever reason there was that day.  
 One thing is for sure- if Mrs. Potter were not there, I would not have had to serve it. Because of her, I got into a lot more trouble than other students did, even though they did many of the same things but got away with it. She was also ruining my reputation, which meant ruining plenty of chances to get a girlfriend, because fellow students would always see Mrs. Potter following me around, and to every class. 

 Once I get home, I decide, “I don’t need any more of her draconian authority. If this country does not care enough about the well-being and reputation of a kid they educate, then why do I need to stay here? If my parents love me, then why don’t they either remove Mrs. Potter or take me to a different school? I have reason to believe that I am not loved enough around here, so you know what? I am running away. Where to? I will reveal it down below. 

 With a pencil and paper, I plan my runaway. Factoring in the cold December weather, I put down what I need- 
 -Only one backpack 
 -Up to four waist packs 
 -Up to four of Dad’s spare wallets 
 -Wear three layers of sweaters, with one t-shirt innermost 
 -Wear 2 layers of sweatpants, with jeans as the third layer, belt included 
 -Wear ski mask 
 -Wear coat 
 -Wear three layers of socks 
 -Wear Gloves 
 -In available storage areas, put in 
 One Extra sweater 
 One Extra Pants 
 Three Extra undergarments 
 Two Extra pairs of socks 
 -Toiletries 
 -Toothbrush & Toothpaste 
 -Dental Floss 
 -Inhaler 
 -Trapper Keeper 
 -Some Game CDs 
 -Flashlight 
 -Battery-Laden Alarm Clock 
 -Easily Storable Food & Drink to fit the rest of the spaces 
 (Remember: This is not just a backpack; I will also have four waist packs, AKA waist pouches, so I can have the extra storage space that I need.) The next step is to find as much money as possible. That night, assume I find ~$350 from around the house, mostly from parents’ wallets. Yes, it would have been stealing, but it would not matter if I were running away to never come back. Then all of that money goes into the wallets. 
  	 Once I am done gathering and putting together all that’s needed to run away, I decide that Japan is a good place. All the technology, high life, Anime, and the abundance of girls! Some Youth Hostel could take care of me well there, too. Now how do I run away to Japan? There happens to be a Greyhound Bus station in Junction City. They can take me to Seattle. What if I need parental or a guardian’s permission, being 12 years old? No problem; I forge a note. I get another sheet of paper and write the following: 
 “Dear Greyhound, 
 My Nephew, Chris Cuervo, will rejoin his parents back in Seattle. We had a pleasant time with him but now is the time to send him back. Ensure he is safe during his trip home! 
 Sincerely, 
 Madeline Cuervo” 

  	 Then the note gets folded, and put inside one of the knapsacks. 12-year-olds usually do not have any ID. I would probably leave behind my Military ID card, though. You get those when you are 10 if you are a military family member