Actually, i tried to run away twice. I thought it was pretty common too for kids to try and run away, but it's not - according to my therapist.

It is an extremely distressed child that would chose to leave a home they grew up in.

I wonder too what would have happened if I had made it out. I also wonder what would have happened if my parents had simply asked me why I was trying to run away instead of punishing me for doing it.

I guess they knew why.

I don't think your letter is too melodramatic at all. At least for me, it is a fairly accurate description.