Schrei So Laut Du Kannst

That night, I sat next to Bill at the table, but I didn't eat. I couldn't. No one else was eating either, I realised once I looked up. They were wearing the same expression: dull, upset, shocked. I shoved away from the table and hurried to the room I'd spent half a year's nights sleeping in I'd known the twins for a little over twelve months, and their family and friends for only six, but they had welcomed me with open arms. They hadn't asked questions or turned me away. And I loved staying with them. I found a pair of Tom's pants and Bill's shirt, slipped them on, and sneaked out the window after leaving a note taped to their bedroom door. I started walking to the park; someone was there, sitting in a swing.

"Hallo, Katy."

"Gustav?"

"Yes. I heard you were leaving soon, so I figured you would come here. Although, I must admit, I thought you were Tom at first."

I chuckled, "Yeah. But how could my parents have found me?"

"I am not sure. Katy?"

"Hm?"

"How do you feel about going home?"

"It sucks. I want to stay here forever. I feel safe, unafraid. My house in the states is a prison of World War III. It'll kill me soon."

"Then run."

"What?"

"Don't let the pain and abuse catch up to you. Stay busy, ignore the insults, be who you are. Don't let them control you. Schrei so laut du kannst."

I smiled at the song reference and hugged him. "Danke, Gustav."

"Either you're excited to embrace me, or your phone is ringing."

"Meh, it's the first one, but don't tell Georg. I don't want to bruise his ego. Hello?"

"Katy, where are you?"

"Bill?"

"Ja. Where are you?"

"Where do I usually go?"

"Your parents are here."

"Heilieg Scheiße. Are you serious?"

"Yes. Are you coming back?"

"Unfortunately, yeah. I'm on my way."

"Okay."

My mother immediately started sobbing when I opened the front door. My dad didn't do anything, but the Trümper/Kaulitz clan stared at me with sad eyes.

"Vielen Dank für ihre Heimat zu Fuß." Gordon said to Gustav, breaking the tense silence.

Gustav nodded, squeezed my hand, and then turned and walked to his own home. I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at my father.

"What do you want?"

"You're coming home."

"No, I'm not. My home is here."

"No it isn't. Your home is in the United States."

"Katy, please don't start this."

"Start what, Mom? I will not go back to being abused."

"You have no choice. Now get your stuff and let's go."

The twins followed me to their bedroom where they hugged me tightly. I forced myself to not cry while I gathered up everything I'd brought with me. Once I'd finished, I stared at the wall.

"Katy, please call us as soon as you land."

"Alright."

"Ich liebe dich."

"Ich liebe dich mehr!" Tom protested.

I smiled and carried my belongings to the car my father had rented. With one more final glance at my best friends, I said a silent good-bye.