Three months after Lucy and Jack ended their relationship, the only person Jack had was his grandma. Jack stared out at Racoon Village, a place woven so deeply into his life that leaving it felt almost unreal. The stars hung low in the vast mountain sky, lighting up the quiet night as if offering him a silent send-off. He sat beside Grandma Grace on the worn steps of their cabin, wrapped in one of her old, knitted blankets. Tonight, he was both comforted and terrified.
"Grandma, I don't know," he admitted, voice barely a whisper. "Going out there, to a big university in the city… it's all so different."
Grace smiled gently, her eyes kind but knowing. "Different is good, Jack. Change is good. You've worked hard, and now it's your time."
He nodded, but the knot of uncertainty didn't fade. Jack wasn't afraid of studying hard; he'd always been a fast learner, one to pick things up easily. He'd spent countless hours in the village library, reading whatever he could get his hands on, dreaming of more. But he wasn't sure he was ready for what lay outside these mountains. The world beyond Racoon seemed… overwhelming. Even with all he'd learned, he was still the "hood rat" to people here, the kid from nowhere with a threadbare past and no family name worth mentioning.
"I wonder if it'll be different out there," Jack murmured. "Will they still see me as… well, what everyone here does? That poor kid who's not worth much?"
Grace's face softened. "Jack, anyone worth their salt will see you for who you are. Smart, strong, and good-hearted. I know this world is different, but people are people, whether in Racoon or the city. Don't let them shake you."
Jack appreciated her confidence but couldn't quite shake his doubts. He'd heard stories of university students with wealthy families, people who would look down on a poor kid from a remote mountain village. Could he hold his own?
He took a deep breath and pushed his doubts aside for a moment. "I'll keep pushing forward, Grandma. I won't forget where I came from. And I'll make you proud, I promise."
Grace reached over and took his hand, squeezing it firmly. "You already have, Jack. Now go out there and show them what you're made of."
They sat in silence after that, watching the stars in the night sky, sharing the quiet understanding that this goodbye differed from the others. He was no longer a boy. Tomorrow, Jack Mason would step into a bigger world—a world that didn't know his past or care about his struggles.
In just two months, Jack would turn eighteen. Grandma Grace had promised to visit him at school by then to share everything he needed to know about his past. But for now, they stood together under the dim light of the park station at 4 a.m., the air cool and silent as they waited for the train that would take him to the city and his new life.
When the train pulled in, Jack and Grandma Grace shared a long hug, her hands warm and familiar on his shoulders. "Promise me, Jack, you'll stay strong," she said, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "Be bold. Never be afraid of anyone, and always do the right thing. You're greater than you know."
Jack nodded, trying to absorb her words. He was nervous, yes, but Grandma's faith in him gave him strength. He tried to push down the worries that nagged him. The city, the university, the thought of people who would see him as nothing but a poor kid from nowhere—it all felt heavy. But Jack held onto her words, promised he'd make her proud, and boarded the train.
From his seat by the window, Jack watched her figure grow smaller, her hand raised in a final wave as the train pulled away. His heart felt heavy, a mix of excitement and fear swirling inside him. He'd seen these landscapes only a handful of times when he'd accompanied Grandma Grace to the city, but this time, they looked different. The trees, mountains, and rivers flashed by as reminders of the life he was leaving behind.
As the city skyline finally emerged against the evening sky, Grandma's last words repeated in his mind: "You're greater than the dreams you can imagine, Jack. Believe in yourself, as I believe in you."
Back in Racoon Village, Grandma Grace returned to her cabin, feeling the emptiness left by Jack's departure. She pulled out an old wooden box from under his bed, a small but important piece of her own story and the story of Jack's mysterious past. Inside were items wrapped carefully—keepsakes given to her by Jack's mother, Rita. She gently ran her fingers over them, whispering, "Rita, you would be so proud of him."
As she wrapped everything back up, a knock on the cabin door interrupted her thoughts. Opening it, she found Lucy standing there, looking anxious.
"Lucy, my dear, how are you?" Grandma Grace asked.
"Is Jack really… gone?" Lucy's voice was shaky, her expression one of surprise and, perhaps, something else.
"Yes, dear. He left early this morning for the city, to start university," Grandma Grace replied, watching Lucy's reaction.
Lucy's face fell, her surprise clear. She seemed almost lost for words before she simply nodded, then turned and walked away without saying anything more. Grace sighed, closing the door. Jack had asked her not to interfere in his friendship with Lucy, so she let the girl go, respecting Jack's wishes.
Jack arrived in the city close to 9 p.m. The train station was alive with bustling crowds and the hum of voices, but he managed to find a taxi to take him to the university campus. By the time he reached his assigned dorm room, it was late. The room was dimly lit, and four other guys, around his age, were already lying on their beds.
Jack cleared his throat. "Hey, I'm Jack."
The roommates glanced over, and one of them, a friendly-looking guy with messy hair, sat up. "Hey, Jack, I'm Rueben. This here's David, Sam, and that's Francis," he said, nodding toward each one. All of them gave a casual wave—except for Francis, who barely looked up.
Jack moved toward his bed, but there was a large bag sprawled across it. He looked at Rueben. "Uh, Rueben, whose luggage is this?"
Rueben pointed over to Francis. "It's his. Don't mind him; he's a bit… particular."
Carefully, Jack lifted the bag and placed it beside Francis's bed. But as he turned to go back, Francis finally looked up, his expression hardening.
"Who gave you the right to touch my things?" Francis's voice dripped with disdain. "Filthy, dirty-looking waste. How dare you touch my luggage?"
Jack stopped, trying to process the unprovoked insult. "Look, man, no need to get nasty. I just moved it aside."
Francis jumped off his bed, standing barely chest-high to Jack's six-foot frame, his face twisted in an indignant scowl. "Do you even know who I am? I am Francis Mason, heir to the Mason family. We own this city, this country—Country Q! I can tear you down anytime I want."
Jack was taken aback, staring down at Francis. The arrogance was startling. But more than that, the name Mason struck him somewhere deep. This was the first time he'd encountered another Mason, and he felt an uneasy curiosity he couldn't ignore.
''Bro, Okay I'm sorry for touching your luggage it's my bad, Jack said taking a few steps back, I don't want any trouble, It's just luggage, soon Rueben stepped in between Jack and Francis, pushing Francis back a little; '' He Francis, it's okay. He's already apologized just let it go.
'' Let it go, Rueben, who does he think he is? Do you think you because you are tall and handsome, you can just throw your weight around the way you want? If you touch my stuff again, I will make sure I get you fixed up for good. And I'm not your bro, don't ever call me bro, be warned! Francis turned around and kicked the luggage aside. Jack stared at him with disgust, he hated to be called a waste, he wanted to speak but Rueben tapped him gently on his shoulders'' Just ignore him'' Jack looked at Reuben'' Thanks bro, I understand. He turned around and walked to his bed, as Rueben did the same. The rest of the night was peaceful as Jack arranged his few belongings inside a small wardrobe attached to his bed, took his bath, and called it a night.
Jack was up early the next morning, as a newbie in school, he needed to find his way around campus. Immediately he was ready he stepped out and met Rueben by the door just about to head up to school also; ''Hey Jack, you are also an early riser too, he smiled at Jack''.... Jack nodded, yes bro. I'm a newbie so I also need to leave early so I can find my way around campus, you are new too? Jack asked Rueben, Yes I am! Rueben replied; '' Since we are both new let's find our way together''. They both laughed and walked ahead. That day was used for registration, getting to know their lecture halls, and meeting other students. Luckily Jack and Rueben got along very well, same room, same class and eventually became good friends.
Some weeks later as Rueben and Jack approached the student's canteen, Jack knew he had very little cash on him and wouldn't be able to pay for the food, so he decided to tell Rueben he had other places to locate. So they parted ways and Jack walked out of the school premises, intending to get a part-time job as a student.
Jack had checked about three places but had no luck, he knew he had just little money left with him, he needed to get a gig soon so he could cope with school. Grandma was far away back in Racoon Village, he couldn't depend on her again. He had to do something before she visited him on his eighteenth birthday. So Jack entered the fourth place. it was a student's bar and lots of students normally hung out around there for relaxation. Jack walked up to the bar attendant who directed Jack to the manager's office. After a few minutes with the Manager, Sony Pitt, Jack was hired.
''Boy I like your drive, work hard and you may likely be promoted but keep your head up''. They shook hands and Jack was to start the next day. Just as Jack stepped out of the bar he saw Rueben and others, including Francis. Rueben was surprised to see Jack. ''Hey Jack what are you doing here? Sam and Rueben asked. Jack was equally surprised, '' I came here to see if I can hook up a part-time gig, he replied. ''I knew it, he smells, I knew he was a waste, dirty pauper... Francis chimed in and walked arrogantly toward the bar. Jack looked at him and ignored him, the others felt Francis was overreacting and overbearing.
'' Let's get a sit Jack, Rueben and Sam pulled Jack to a table and sat down. '' So did you get the gig? Sam asked, nodding his head,'' yes I did'', Jack said. The pay is not much but I can cope, it's better than nothing. I can't keep depending on my grandma, she's old and can't keep carrying my responsibilities. Sam and Rueben listened quietly feeling sad that Jack's background was poor. ''I also have no parents, So it's just me and my grandma.
The silence on the table was disrupted by Francis's voice; ''No need to talk too much, you and your grandma can come to work for me as servants. One as a dishwasher and the other as a security guard or you can just clean my shoes. That job fits you better. Jack glared at Francis angrily '' You think this is funny? insulting my grandma, you can take a jab at me but not her, Francis quickly interrupted him ''And if I do, what can you do? Since you know you can't do anything about my talking then shut up. Francis smirked at Jack and continued ''I'm only trying to help you and your old hag of a grandma.
Soon another voice was heard screaming ''Mason, is that you? Jack did not turn around, he felt no one knew or addressed him as Mason but Jack or Hood Rat, however, Francis Mason turned towards the person screaming but was unable to recognize her. She quickly walked up to them as Francis said; '' Do I know you?, she looked at Francis angrily and replied'' why would I know a fatso like you, then Jack looked at her only to see one of his ex-classmates way back in Racoon village, He was surprised to see her'' Victoria, he called out not with excitement but with surprise, she was Lucy's best friend. Lucy his ex-girlfriend.
'' Me a fatso? do you know who I am, Francis asked, but was ignored by Victoria as she turned to face Jack '' Mason what are you doing here, Victoria asked, ''I got accepted here'' he replied. ''Oh, that is not surprising, I always knew you had it in you, ''I got accepted here too'' Victoria pulled a chair and sat beside Jack. Just about to continue Francis cut in, you told her you are a Mason? Are you trying to impersonate me and my family because you know we are rich you waste? A trash and waste like you, who do you think you are, huh?
Rueben and Sam were equally surprised. Why would Jack do that, impersonate Francis? Something didn't seem right at all about this. Victoria was shocked too. She had always known Jack Mason and was the only one who called him Mason in the whole of Racoon Village so she was surprised to hear Francis. Victoria wasn't one to keep her calm or encourage a bully. She had always seen Jack bullied by others back in Racoon Village and seeing it happen here again she felt it was enough
''Hey fatso who do you think you are that Jack would impersonate you, are you on some substance or what? When last did you take a look at your mirror, if you don't have one I can as well give you mine, ever since I came here you have all been up in his business, Jack, to impersonate you, Do you know how long I've known Jack? Almost all my life. Why would you say that''? His name is Jack Mason. Do you think you are the only one born to use that name? please keep quiet and stop disturbing the peace on this table. Rueben and Sam laughed hysterically feeling Francis had met his match.
Pointing at Jack, Francis ignored Victoria's scolding and shouted '' You are a Mason too? eww, I feel disgusted, how dare you, well you may just be a namesake and not from the real Mason Family. The real Mason Family cannot produce waste like you as a child.
Slap! The sound of a loud slap echoed in the bar, Francis was slapped by Victoria on the face before he could continue to mock Jack. '' You hit me, you dare to slap me, you bitch.
Slap!
Slap!
Slap!
The sound was loud, as the slap rained down on his face like thunder. Rueben and Sam quickly rushed up and held Victoria's hand from adding more slaps, the whole bar was silent as other students stared at the scene while some whispered and pointed. Francis's head was looking like that of a pig, his face was swollen and red from the slaps melted on him by Victoria.
'' Did your mother not teach you to never speak down on others? You are as ugly as your mouth, Victoria cursed at Francis, Listen if you lacked good home training I, can replace your mum and give that training to you. Francis was so pissed that he was beaten by a woman, he rushed up to slap Victoria, and only then did Jack hold his hands, Francis grew angrier, ''You dare to touch me again with those dirty fingers of yours? you impersonator, get out of my way or I will call my thugs to deal with you and this bitch here right now. He withdrew his hands and started attracting the attention of others. You come and see this filthy Impersonator, who says he is a Mason, he is fake, only using my Family's name to steal and defraud others. Him and his dirty old Grandmother. They have been doing it for years.
The students suddenly gathered around to watch the show. Some took their phones out for pictures and videos to post on social media
Suddenly there was another slap and this time it came from Jack. Francis spun around after the slap and lost balance as he fell on his butt. He stood up quickly, took out his phone, and made a call; ''You just wait and see, my bodyguards are coming. You will be dealt with and this bitch, I will make sure you warm my bed tonight.
This was the first time Jack had ever raised his hands on anyone, no matter how he was scolded or pushed around and insulted, he took it all in but his grandma was his bottom line.
'' Let them come, I'm waiting'' Jack said softly. His face was expressionless, with an undeniable enviable aura by others just looking at him. He was too calm and in control. Francis kept on cursing at Victoria and Jack.
Unknown to him the person he called was an elder brother of Victoria. Victoria Zach was from a humble family but her brother, Richard Zach left Racoon Village for the city at the young age of eleven to live with his uncle, who threw him out in the streets after just staying a week with them. Richard refused to go back to Racoon Village and decided to die trying to get rich, however, luck found him sooner than expected after Two years of begging on the street, he saved a 30-year-old man from the cold hands of assassins.
It was a faithful night as Richard sat in a cold hidden corner near a tunnel where he normally sleeps, he was thirteen when he saw Richard; '' Son hide me, they want to kill me please, I am rich and will take you off the street, you will become my son, he was almost getting dizzy from blood loss, he was bleeding profusely. Richard quickly pushed him into the tunnel and covered it, both of them hid inside, but not before throwing away the man's suit to lead the assassins to another route. The assassins arrived and quickly picked the bloody suit and went ahead on that route chasing shadows.
Hours later Richard called some other friends of his who helped him take Richard back to his house and after that, Richard's life was never on the streets again.