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Hilda’s voice cut through the tension, firm yet loving. “That’s right. You promised Carlisle you’d quit smoking if he got into university. You can’t go back on your word now! It’s time to quit!”
Gordon hesitated for a moment, then, without a second thought, he tossed the half-empty pack of cigarettes into the trash. He had always believed that Carlisle had a bright future ahead of him. Now, seeing the pride and hope in his son’s eyes, he couldn’t allow himself to be a bad example, not when Carlisle had so much to look forward to.
Carlisle chuckled softly, his tone teasing but full of affection. “Mom, make sure you keep a close watch on Dad. If I ever catch him smoking again, I’ll start smoking myself!”
He was more serious than usual, his words carrying a sense of responsibility that came with his new chapter in life. Carlisle knew how important it was to hold his parents to their promises. And more than that, he wanted them to see that he was capable of taking care of himself and handling things independently.
Hilda’s eyes sparkled with determination. “Don’t worry. If he even thinks about lighting another one up, I’ll make him sleep on the streets!” She shot Gordon a look of warning, and he could only shake his head with a soft, resigned smile. Hilda had always been staunchly against his smoking, but now, with Carlisle’s future in their hands, she was more determined than ever to make sure he didn’t slip back into his old habits.
After a simple lunch, Gordon took Carlisle to the bank to finalize his financial matters. After some gentle persuasion from Carlisle, Gordon reluctantly agreed to deposit only 10,000 dollars into his account. It was a small victory for Carlisle, but he knew his parents had made sacrifices to get to this point. They had done so much for him, and he would never forget it.
Time flew by quickly, and before they knew it, the end of the holidays was approaching. Carlisle had already booked his train ticket to Riverland, ready to start his university journey. Sean, as always, was by his side, having also decided to enroll at Riverland’s University of Science and Technology. Both universities were in the same area, not too far apart from one another, and it felt like a new chapter was unfolding for both of them.
The morning of his departure, Rory showed up to pick him up and drive him to the train station. Gordon and Hilda stood at the door, their expressions filled with sadness and pride, unable to hide how much they would miss him. Hilda hadn’t slept a wink the night before, her eyes red from crying, though she tried to hold back her tears as she spoke.
“Make sure you eat well while you’re at school. If you come back looking any thinner, don’t even think about coming home!” Her voice quivered, a mix of concern and love.
Carlisle felt a lump in his throat as he noticed a few strands of white in Hilda’s hair. It was a stark reminder of how much they had aged, how much they had sacrificed for him to reach this point. “The same goes for both of you,” he said softly. “Don’t keep saving up for me. I can take care of myself. I’ll earn my keep.”
Gordon and Hilda had spent so much of their lives worrying about him, sacrificing their own happiness for his future. They had never been able to afford luxuries, and Carlisle promised himself that one day, when he had the means, he would give them the life they deserved. A good life, in a better place.
“Alright, hurry up and get in the car,” Gordon urged, his voice surprisingly steady, though his eyes were still red. “The train waits for no one!”
He loaded Carlisle’s luggage into the trunk before pulling out a packet of Sobranie cigarettes and handing them to Rory. “Drive safely, Rory,” Gordon said, his voice laced with a mixture of gratitude and sadness.
Rory smiled, but there was a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. “You’re too kind, Gordon. I’ve got more than enough cigarettes. Keep these for yourself!”
Gordon chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. “Well, I made a bet with Carlisle. I promised I’d quit smoking if he got into university.”
Rory raised an eyebrow and laughed. “So, you lost the bet?”
Gordon sighed, nodding. “Obviously. So, I’m sticking to it. No more cigarettes for me.”
Rory gave a knowing nod, accepting the cigarettes and putting them in his pocket. “Alright then! But you’re right—it’s getting late. I need to hurry and get him to the station. Talk to you both later!”
“Okay. Safe travels, Rory,” Gordon called after him as the car pulled away.
Carlisle waved from the backseat, his heart heavy with the weight of the moment. “Take care, Mom and Dad!” he called out, trying to keep his voice steady.
Hilda stood there, tears silently streaming down her face as she waved, her emotions a tangled mess of love and worry. She couldn’t bear to see her son go, not when he had always been the center of her world.
Gordon, too, felt the lump in his throat as he watched the car disappear down the road. He turned to Hilda, his eyes red-rimmed. “What’s there to cry about?” he asked, his voice gruff but gentle. “He’s an adult now. He knows how to take care of himself.”
Hilda choked back her sobs, wiping her tears away. “But he’s never been this far from home before. I just don’t know if he’ll be alright.”
“He’ll be fine,” Gordon said, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. “He’s got a good head on his shoulders.”
As the car vanished from sight, Gordon instinctively reached into his pocket for a cigarette, but then he paused. The promise he had made to Carlisle echoed in his mind, and for the first time in a long while, he didn’t light one up. His son had already started his new life. It was time for him to do the same.
The train ride from Rainville to Riverland was long, uncomfortable, and packed with passengers. There was no air conditioning, and the aisles were so crowded that even the standing room was at a premium. The windows were wide open, but the heat in the carriage didn’t seem to let up.
Carlisle and Sean had a seat to themselves, though they shared their four-seater with four other people, making it feel even more cramped. The train lurched forward, and the landscape outside blurred as the journey began.
“Here’s to new adventures and a new chapter in life!” Sean exclaimed, a grin plastered on his face as he looked out the window.
Carlisle rested his chin on his hands, staring out at the passing scenery. There was a quiet determination in his eyes, a glimmer of hope for the future. He had never imagined that he would be sitting here, on a train bound for a university, but here he was. This was his chance—his second chance.
In his past life, Carlisle had never had the opportunity to attend university. He had been stuck in a dead-end job, feeling like his future was already decided. But now, this moment was different. He had made it. He had gotten into Riverland University.
The train’s departure marked the official beginning of his new life. This time, he would not waste his opportunities. The past was behind him, and the future, bright and full of promise, stretched out before him.
