The Nelsons' house had large, echoing bells that produced loud sounds, so they always knew when there would be visitors. The black bells always seemed menacing to Smith because they meant that his children would always know when unwanted guests would arrive. At that moment, Smith didn't want to see any of his children in front of him because he wasn't in a stable state of mind. They were right behind him. Smith tore the black envelope open and pulled the letter out quietly while his children looked at him confusedly.
Smith, the father, read the letter quietly, fearing that the children might hear a whim of what he was reading. He was so frightened, as if he saw a ghost, but he tried not to show his frightened expression. The reason was harsh yet simple: If the university discovered the adults revealing the secret to their children under 23, the university would execute the whole family and their relatives. This thought gave the shivers to Smith. Although he loved his family, he was powerless to stop the impending danger ahead. The father didn't want the whole family to die, so he hid his emotions and the sadness he felt.
The older brother noticed that something was up, so he didn't say anything suspicious but simply asked to see the letter. Smith, forcing a smile, says, "No need, I'll tell you what I read." He then read the letter aloud. Smith withheld the reason for Jeff's college enrollment.
Jeff wanted to rebel and say that he didn't want to leave his family to study in such an environment since he only cared for his family, but the serious look on his once father's cheerful, funny nature, made that thought disregarded from his mind. Jeff knew he was going, and no one could say otherwise. Zack is the only one who spoke up," You look troubled, Jeff. Dad! Does he have to go?". Smith stopped Zack in his tracks and says firmly, "Enough! The matter has already been decided. Go to your rooms." Zack knew that his father was acting strangely, but he believed that his intentions were always pure, so he trusted their father and nodded," Yes, father". Jeff was more on edge, but he trusted their father as well, so he replies, "I understand".
At night, the boys and the father were sleeping. The room was deadly silent except for Susan, who checked on the boys sleeping and mumbled," I wish we could just run away. This world is too cruel for those children". She hoped the things she taught them would help them in the future to overcome the obstacles ahead. Susan approached Jeff and Zack and kissed them gently on their cheeks. Zack was sleeping soundly and didn't notice. Jeff smiled softly," I wish you were this kind to us since you never gave us this much love and were always strict. Mum! Whatever it takes, I will face this college with no fear so that your teachings are not wasted".
In the morning, Jeff was allegedly getting ready to go to college, but he was deep in thought. His father entered and joked cheerfully to ease the boy's nerves," Ready for your first day? You didn't forget your pencils because you know why the late student sat next to the pencil sharpener". Jeff replies softly," Why, Father?". Smith replies cheerfully, "Because they were a little dull! And you can't arrive late or be dull on your first day." Jeff chuckles slightly, then he started to get ready again.
Jeff didn't feel like his father's joke eased his nerves. Jeff noticed the uneasy feelings his parents showed. Especially behind his father's laughter were pain and sorrow, which made Jeff feel suffocated, but he remained strong until the car arrived and he got in. His father's parting words left him shocked. Smith spoke worriedly, "No matter what, know that we love you, son. Susan and me and your brother love you deeply". Jeff felt as if he was heading to war, but he wasn't the type to get nervous that easily, especially since his mother's kiss gave him courage. He kept his head high until he faced this place that caused his parents so much distress and fear. Zack's car also arrived, and Zack says his goodbyes to Jeff, "Make lots of friends, okay! I know you cause trouble for strangers, but be kind to your classmates". Jeff felt silly for being scared since Zack's Words seemed ignorant of the atmosphere. He said these words without caring about the intense environment, but to Jeff, it was great words of encouragement that made him feel relieved because at least his brother didn't act strange. He knew his parents were hiding something, but he respected their choices and couldn't lose heart on his first day of college.