The Night Mark and Paul Ran Away From Home

This morning, the Flakes were waxing nostalgic about their misspent youth.  It turns out Mark and Paul have something in common, they both tried to run away from home when they were kids.

Paul's failed attempt at freedom came at the tender age of 8. He was sick and tired of putting up with his sisters, so he packed a suitcase and told his parents he was leaving home.  When he got outside, he noticed it was dark and he got scared.  Luckily, his dad graciously agreed to turn the porch light on so he could plan his next move.  After a few minutes of contemplation, Paul realized that he was better off staying at home.  When he finally went back in the house, his mom made him fold all of the clothes he had packed in his suitcase.

Mark also made the difficult decision to leave home at the age of 4. His little sister had just been born and he just wasn't getting enough attention from his parents.  Unlike Paul, Mark actually made it past the front porch.  In fact, he traveled eight long, painful blocks before he got tired from hauling his heavy suitcase.  It was then that the prodigal son returned home and decided to give up smoking.

Growing up is tough, especially on the mean, unforgiving streets of Great Falls, Montana.