With those words, Charlie didn't wait for Jacob to say another word and stood up. "I'm going up if there's nothing else, pops."

-

Early next morning, Jacob drove to the Calligraphy and Painting Association.

While most members had a lot to talk about seeing him return, the respective vice-presidents had made sure behind closed doors that none would do so openly.

Jacob was at first apprehensive about being scorned, so he was surprised that everyone was polite and stopped worrying altogether.