“Did you fail every class or something?” I snort. Not because I’m callous, but because we both know that with a guaranteed career ahead of him, his grades won’t matter in the end.
When I notice his hands are clenched into tight fists, I recoil. I may have taken it too far this time. “Hey, sorry. I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think it is.”
“No, trust me. It’s pretty bad.” He slumps down into his bed, blows out all the air in his lungs, and rakes a hand through his hair.
I’m taken aback by Gavin’s vulnerability. I always knew he’d go to any school Dad wanted him to go to. I never thought he actually cared about his grades. “I’m sure Dad will understand.” In fact, I know he will. As long as Gavin graduates, Dad won’t care what his transcripts look like.
“No, he won’t. Not this time.”
“Dad didn’t even go to college.”
“I know. That’s why it matters to him so much that I do. He won’t understand why I threw away a chance to go to college when I had the opportunity he didn’t.”
That’s when I realize Gavin isn’t talking about failed grades.
University of Southern California
3551 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles, CA
March 20, 2026
Gavin Ok
1000 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
Subject: Notification of Expulsion from USC
Dear Mr.Ok,
After a thorough investigation, it has been determined that you have violated the University of Southern California’s academic integrity policy by using artificial intelligence (AI) to complete assignments and coursework that were expected to be your own work. Specifically it was found that the work you submitted for a midterm paper on business ethics was generated using AI tools, which not only constitutes a serious breach of the school’s code of conduct regarding academic honesty but also begs the question of your understanding of ethics in general.
As a result of this violation, the school administration has made the decision to expel you from the University of Southern California effective immediately. This decision is final and in accordance with the school’s disciplinary procedures, which were outlined in the student handbook you received at the beginning of the school year.
We hope that this experience serves as a learning opportunity, and we wish you the best in your future academic and personal pursuits.
Sincerely,
Barron Rutherford
Dean of the School of Business, University of Southern California
Chapter 16
When I finish reading the letter, I stare at it for a minute longer, not knowing how to respond. I knew something was up, but expulsion?
“So, no more USC?”
“No more USC,” Gavin says, unable to meet my eye.
“What are you going to do?”
“I’ll think of something. I might take classes at the community college and transfer to another school,” he says. “Since Dad suggested taking online classes, it’ll be harder for him to track where I’m taking them from.”
My head whips up. “Wait, what? You’re not going to tell him?”
