CHAPTER 3: THE OUTRAGE

After dinner, they returned to the hotel. When they got back to their room, Kai switched on the TV, hoping to see the Japanese anime that he had grown to like.

"So Kai, did you learn quite a bit tonight?" asked his father.

"Oh yes, I did." said Kai sarcastically. He had not been listening since he was stuffing his face with Japanese cuisine. Kai’s father did not look too pleased. After watching enough television, Kai decided to go to bed. He was half-asleep when there was a phone call. His father picked up the receiver.

"Hello? Well, we’re off to a rough start but, I’m sure we can get him back on track." he said. "Don’t worry. Our son will become a great man; I can assure you even if he’s a drop out.

You know in America that Bill Gates, he dropped out and he’s quite successful now. Plus, our son is a genius. We can still salvage him. I have a lot planned that will mold Kai in some one who will be successful. No I haven’t told him yet but I’m sure he’ll soon learn that his gift will lead to success. Ok, I will call you in the morning. Goodbye."

Kai could not believe what he had just heard. His father had dragged him all the way from Hong Kong just so he could learn to be like him. Kai was outraged. He gripped the bed sheets in anger. It was all coming together. The trip to Kyoto, the gathering at dinner. It was all too much.

Kai was tired of it. The whole time, his parents were exploiting his so-called "gift" so he could become something that they could benefit from. Kai was both enraged and sad. He intended to do take action for it. He waited one hour to make sure his father was asleep.

Then he carefully packed a small bag as to not wake his father. He wrote a note and placed it on the nightstand.

He wore all black to avoid being seen by any people that would try to rob him once he left. He wore a black shirt, black jeans and his long black coat that hung down to his shins. Quickly, Kai ran into the bathroom and took a long look at his face. His long hair covered it, absorbing bitter tears as they rolled down.

Before leaving, he seized 200 000 yen from his dad’s wallet. He was ready for the streets or so he thought. Kai grabbed his backpack. He decided to go out the window rather than through the lobby. Kai stepped on to the balcony and began climbing down. Soon he got down to the third level, then the second and finally he dropped down on to the sidewalk below.

Kai began walking and at the same time wondered when he would return. He decided not to think about it. It was cloudy and it was cold so he shivered in his thin jacket. Kai walked for a few blocks and walked into an alley. He hid behind a garbage can and closed his eyes.