The afton family: new life

Chapter 18: Michael Goes to College

The summer after graduation flew by in a whirlwind of activities for the Afton family. Between trips to the beach, family barbecues, and spending time with friends, Michael had barely a moment to himself. But as the days grew shorter and the air turned cooler, a new chapter of Michael's life was about to begin: college.

Michael had decided to attend a nearby university, known for its strong engineering and technology programs. William had been particularly enthusiastic about his choice, seeing in his son the potential to follow in his footsteps in robotics and engineering. Michael wasn't entirely sure what he wanted to specialize in yet, but he was eager to start exploring and learning more about the field.

The days leading up to move-in day were filled with preparations. Clara and William helped Michael gather everything he would need for his dorm room: bedding, towels, a mini-fridge, school supplies, and a small desk lamp. Elizabeth and Chris tried to sneak a few prank items into Michael's suitcase, but Clara caught them just in time.

On the morning of the big day, the family was up early, bustling around the house. Michael could feel the mix of excitement and nerves building in his stomach. He loaded the last of his boxes into the family car and took a deep breath.

"You ready, Mike?" Chris asked, leaning against the car with his arms crossed.

Michael nodded, giving his younger brother a smile. "Yeah, I think so. It's just... weird, you know? Leaving home."

Elizabeth, holding Jullian's hand, chimed in, "You're going to have so much fun, Michael! And you'll be home for the holidays, right?"

Michael ruffled her hair playfully. "Of course, I will. You think you're going to get rid of me that easily?"

Clara appeared at the front door, her eyes a little misty as she watched her eldest son prepare to leave. "Okay, everyone, let's get going. We don't want to be late," she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

The drive to the university was filled with chatter and laughter, but underneath it all, there was a sense of change in the air. Michael could feel it, too—a mix of excitement for the new experiences ahead and a touch of sadness at leaving the comfort of home.

When they arrived at the campus, the sight of students and their families bustling about, unloading cars, and carrying boxes into dorm buildings filled Michael with a sense of anticipation. The campus was alive with energy—a mix of nervousness, excitement, and hope for the future.

The Afton family found Michael's dorm, a tall brick building nestled among oak trees. The halls were filled with the sounds of excited chatter and the clatter of moving carts. Michael's room was on the third floor, and after a few trips up the stairs with boxes, they finally had everything in his new space.

Michael stood in the middle of the room, taking it all in. The room was small but cozy, with a bed, a desk, and a closet. He could hear the sounds of other students in the hallway, the laughter and conversations drifting in through the open door.

Clara began to unpack some of the boxes, organizing his things while William helped set up the mini-fridge in the corner. Chris and Elizabeth explored the room, checking out the view from the window and debating whether Michael should get some posters for his walls.

Once everything was unpacked, they all stood back, admiring their work. The room looked more like home now, with Michael's belongings arranged neatly around the space.

Clara turned to Michael, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm so proud of you," she said softly, pulling him into a tight hug. "I know you're going to do great here."

Michael hugged her back, feeling a lump form in his throat. "Thanks, Mom. I'm going to miss you guys."

William placed a hand on Michael's shoulder, his expression a mix of pride and emotion. "Remember, son, college is not just about studying. Make sure to enjoy yourself, make friends, and find what you're truly passionate about."

Chris gave Michael a playful punch on the arm. "Yeah, and don't forget to call us. We need to make sure you're not slacking off."

Elizabeth hugged Michael's leg, looking up at him with big eyes. "Don't forget about us, Michael. We'll be waiting for you to come back home."

Michael knelt down to her level, giving her a reassuring smile. "I could never forget you guys. I promise I'll visit as often as I can."

After a few more hugs and goodbyes, it was time for the family to leave. Michael walked them to the car, watching as they piled in. Clara rolled down the window, waving at him. "We love you, Michael. Call us when you're settled in, okay?"

"I will, Mom. Love you all," Michael replied, waving back.

As the car drove away, Michael stood there for a moment, feeling a mix of emotions. He was on his own now, standing on the threshold of a new adventure. Taking a deep breath, he turned and headed back into the dorm, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Back in his room, Michael met his roommate, a friendly guy named Sam who was also studying engineering. They quickly hit it off, sharing stories about their hometowns and their excitement for the coming year. As they chatted, Michael felt his nerves start to settle. Maybe this wasn't going to be so scary after all.

That evening, the university held a welcome event for the new students, complete with food, music, and activities. Michael joined Sam and a few others he had met during the day, enjoying the festivities and soaking in the lively atmosphere. He felt a sense of camaraderie with the other students, all of them on the same journey, all of them starting fresh.

As the night went on, Michael found himself thinking about Isabella. He wondered how she was doing, if she was also settling into her own college experience. They had stayed in touch over the summer, their friendship deepening with each passing day. He made a mental note to text her later, maybe see if she wanted to catch up over the weekend.

By the time he returned to his dorm, Michael was exhausted but happy. He crawled into bed, staring up at the ceiling. This was it—a new beginning, a new chapter. He didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, he felt ready to embrace it, whatever it might be.

And as he drifted off to sleep, Michael felt a sense of peace wash over him. College was the start of something new, and he was ready to make the most of it.

4o