During the week, Al found different ways to distract himself.
He would spend more time with his instructors, they often complained to Ray that Al was pushing himself too far. Ray explained to them that his son was merely keeping his mind off other matters.
By the time a week rolled by, Al was called into Ray's office, unsure about what his father wanted to discuss.
"Yes dad?" Al asked as he entered.
He was surprised to find that Peter Jao was also in attendance.
Al had a bad feeling about it when he sat down.
"How has your week been, son?" Ray asked.
"I've been trying to keep myself busy with school, work, and training." Al answered. "I miss Cara, of course, but it's only a week."
Ray gave him a sad smile before glancing at Peter.
"Dad, what did you want to talk about?" Al asked, dreading the worst.