Exploring campus

After finding the main reception and finalising some details, Casey and his dad had moved over to the student accommodations. The two took their time with his dad dropping his college reminiscing in exchange for a running commentary on everything around them. This also included indulging every single student handing out flyers and information pamphlets briefing various clubs, frats and activities. Each one was tossed into Casey's grasp to join the rest in his duffle bag. He tried not to make eye contact with too many people, afraid his image would be ruined day one. But he was far from the only clueless new student being escorted by a parent or two.

"Hmm, they truly do let anyone in here now, eh." Casey's dad said, rubbing the stubble on his chin. His eyes fixed on a group of students. Casey looked over and then gave him a look. "Dad. Not cool." His father waved his hand, dismissing his sons words. "Not like that, Cass. I mean, you worked hard to get here! So hard. And, you know, there are some groups who get a free ride because of their..." he trailed off, gesturing his head pointedly. "I'm gonna pretend this isn't happening right now." Casey shook his head, gazing up and praying for relief. "Don't be such a snowflake!" His farther grumbled, hefting the bags he carried. "I'm just saying it isn't fair. You worked for your spot and I'm so proud of that. Imagine if you'd lost it because-"

"Dad!" Casey shook his head, glancing around. Forget embarrassing parent making him look uncool. Racist parent was far worse. "I know what you're trying to say but, stop. Please?" His dad murmured something before carrying on.

Soon enough they were in the student accommodation block. The woman at reception gave Casey a key card and some directions and soon enough he was pushing open the door to his new, temporary home. It was a little spartan. A small double bed with plain bedding, a desk and an uncomfortable looking chair to match and a little extra space to stand. Shared bathrooms were several doors down. "Well, at least it is something." His dad looked less than impressed. "Was hoping for something a little more.." He waved his hand vaguely around in the air. Casey shrugged. "It's just for now. Once people are organised and pledge week is done, we get the nicer rooms I think." He said, tossing his hand luggage on the bed and dumping the suitcase down on the floor. "Well. I guess this is it then." His dad looked sad. It was the first time Casey had seen him like that in years. "I mean, you can stay for a bit, right? Hang out."

"No, I-I should go." His father said, firmly. "It's a ways drive back home and, well, you'll need to settle in. Besides, I don't want to be driving in the dark while tired, you know." A silence hung in the air for several seconds. Without warning, Casey found himself pulled into a tight bearhug. His dad didn't speak but simply nodded before breaking away and giving him a rough smile. "Take care, Cass. I'm always here. For anything."

Several hours later and Casey was sprawled out on his bed, looking at his phone. His room wasn't any different, with only his laptop removed and now sat on his desk. A slight knock on the door startled him as he looked up. "Hello?" He asked, annoyed with how timid his voice sounded. "Hello?" He tried again. The door swung open to reveal a small, slight young man with dark hair and a round face. He had brown, almond shaped eyes with a stylish hair cut and a nervous smile. He was weighed down by several large bags, visibly suffering under their mass. "Hey, really sorry to bother you but could you help me? I've lost my card somewhere along here." He gestured vaguely back at the corridor, the movement restricted as a bag slipped slightly. He looked at Casey, a pleading look in his eyes as she nervously adjusted his belongings. "It's a little tricky to search for it at the moment. Could you?"