The initial weeks of Liam's university life unfolded much as Eleanor had hoped. He called regularly, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm about lectures, new friends, and the sheer novelty of campus life. He seemed to be taking his studies seriously, mentioning professors he admired and interesting concepts he was exploring. Eleanor, in turn, painted a rosy picture of life back home, carefully editing out the moments of profound silence that now echoed in the too-large house.