Mistaking Thorns for Roses, My Bright Life Begins

On the first day of freshman year, Reg posted a message in the new-student group chat: "Anyone from my hometown? Riverton here, looking to pair up for check-in!" Five minutes later he messaged me privately: "Don't reply. Let's keep us quiet for now. It's not good to be too high-profile in college." I said okay. So on welcome day, he paired up with Emily, who volunteered to answer. They picked up their campus cards together, toured the campus together, and ate the first college meal together in the dining hall.