Scott's POV
After the college entrance exam results came out, I scored over 1550 and became the top scorer.
But my dad said, “Your cousin looks a lot like you. Let him take your place and go to college instead.”
My cousin had always been a troublemaker. He never studied and often hung out with thugs. On the day of the exam, he got drunk and didn’t even show up.
Dad said, “He needs to go to a good university. Maybe that environment will straighten him out. Otherwise, his life’s going to be ruined. You're hardworking and disciplined anyway. Even if you don’t go to college, you’ll still make it as long as you’re willing to work hard.”
When I didn’t respond, he called my girlfriend, Lovell Soto, over.
As soon as she arrived, she said to me, “Just listen to your dad. Getting out into the real world earlier isn’t a bad thing. You’ve been burying your head in books for too long. You’re practically a nerd. It’s time you experience the real world.”
I nodded. “Alright.”
——
The moment I agreed, my dad lit up with joy. He hurried to gather all my documents, like he was afraid I’d change my mind.
I just sat there, numb, silently watching him rush around.
Then suddenly, he turned back to me and casually added, “Oh, by the way, your cousin got involved in a theft a few days ago. His accomplices have already been arrested. The police are looking for him now. He’s about to start university, so we can’t let him get a criminal record. Since you’ve already switched identities with him, why don’t you turn yourself in?”
I rubbed my eyes, trying to force the tears back.
Still, my voice came out hoarse. “Dad… do you even care about me?”
He sighed, looked at me seriously, and said, “Of course I care. You’re my son. How could I not? It's just that your cousin lost his parents when he was young. Life’s already been hard enough for him. I have to look out for him.”
Lovell walked up and said, “It’s just a few years in prison. Don’t worry, I’ll wait for you. By the time you’re out, your cousin will have already graduated. He can split his salary with you and support you. You won’t even have to work, yet you’ll still get money. Isn’t that pretty nice?”
Before I could say anything, she reached into my pocket, pulled out my phone, and called the police.
She held the phone to my ear and whispered, “Turning yourself in can reduce your sentence. Don’t miss the chance.”
Immediately, the call connected. I let out a long breath and spoke quietly, “This is Adrian Osborne. I'm turning myself in.”
My dad and Lovell exchanged a smile.
After I hung up, my dad gently stroked my head. “Scott, I’m sorry this has to happen to you.”
Lovell pulled out a mesh bag.
Inside were a washbasin, toothpaste, toothbrush, and soap —all things for a prison.
She handed it to me and said, “I picked out everything myself. Got you the best stuff.”
I wiped my tears. “Let’s go.”
I opened the door, ready to walk to the police station.
But the moment I stepped out, I saw my grandma, panting as she climbed the stairs.
Her face lit up when she saw me. “Scott! I heard you scored over 1550 on the exam, and you’re the top scorer? That’s amazing! Your mom would’ve been so proud of you. She must be smiling from heaven.”
She then held up the chicken in her hand and added, “I brought a chicken to make a dish for you. You’ve worked so hard all these years. Grandma knows.”
I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I collapsed to the floor, sobbing.
Startled, she dropped the chicken and rushed to hug me. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
My dad stayed silent while Lovell kept glancing at her watch.
Annoyed, she nudged me. “The call’s been made. If we wait too long, it won’t count. Come on, let’s go.”
