[@ineffable] "Did you remember to pack enough pairs of socks?" "Yes, mother. Seven pairs. Underwear too." "Bible?" "Brought it." "Tablet and phone?" "In my bag and pocket, respectively." "Engagement ring?" "MOOOM!" Gwen batted him upside the head. "Don't [i]mom[/i] me, cheeky boy! But I jest. Study hard, be good, and don't marry anyone until you graduate. Can you do that for me?" Ed nodded. "Yes mom." "Good. Get going. You don't want to be late, or I'll have your father personally head down there to whoop your butt. Love you, kiddo." "Love you too, mom!" Ed got in the taxi and waved as his mother disappeared from view. A pang of loneliness struck his heart. He was in for a very long four years. Would he find any friends there? Could he handle the work? Doubts filled his mind, and he shook his head to clear them away. He would succeed because he [i]had[/i] to succeed. There was no question. Ed pulled out his phone and distracted himself with inspiring music by Tom Bergsen until the taxi came to a halt. "We're here," droned the cab driver. Ed paid the man and stepped out. Before him, the shimmering glass towers of Purcell University stretched out before him, while thousands of aspiring students crowded around the entrance. Butterflies formed in his stomach as he took his first steps toward the future. With the school map loaded on his tablet in one hand and his travel bag in the other, Ed weaved his way through the crowds to the stadium, where the entrance ceremony would begin shortly.