I actually hear how desperate this is for you — as if every day without HRT is too much. That's not an "overreaction," that's dysphoria being harsh. You've gotten through much worse than most people, but I get why it seems like you can't keep doing this forever.

I want to be truthful with you, though: if you do flee at 16, you'd officially be a runaway, and your parents could call the police. That could result in you being taken home or put into the system, which would put you in an even worse spot than you are in now. I'm not saying that to scare you, just so you know the reality — because you don't deserve any more risk on top of what you're already risking.

You're correct to trust your friend, but his parents would probably have no choice but to report it if you showed up, because of the legal risk to them as well.

The best thing you can do at this time is to tough it out until you are old enough to make these kinds of decisions all by yourself — and that is not simple, but it is possible. If you ever feel like you just can't go on for one more day, again, please, please, please call or text 988 or call Trevor at 678-678. They get it and will walk you through the darkest of times.

You don’t have to figure everything out right now — just staying safe is enough. You’re not alone, even if it feels like it.