The buildings and trees that stretched across the horizon passed quickly as Evan Hansen gazed out of the car window, his head resting against the cold glass.

"And you're sure you don't need any help unpacking? You have everything you need, right?" Heidi asked from the driver's seat.

"Mom, I'll be fine," Evan responded, "I promise."

The car slowly pulled into the entrance of Elwood's Boarding Academy. The large gates seemed almost intimidating. Evan could see the colossal, intricately designed school looming in the distance, along with several perfectly trimmed trees standing vigil along the sides of the pavement that lead to the large building. Everything felt so small and simple in comparison to the large stone pillars that stood in front of the building. Heidi noticed her son's concern with the new surroundings.

"I know it's a big change, but this is such a good opportunity for you," Heidi sighed, "Who knows, maybe you'll even get a few friends out of this! And, I'll always be here to visit on the weekends. And if you ever need to talk to me, just call."

"O-Okay…" Evan said quietly. He wasn't too thrilled to be attending a boarding school. Terrified, actually. He didn't want to meet new people or adjust to new surroundings, but he felt like a burden to his mother at home. Once his therapist suggested Evan branching out into new places to meet new people, he felt it would be best if he could relieve his mother of some stress as well.

Heidi pulled the car to a stop once they reached the parking lot. Stepping out of the car, she opened the trunk and unloaded his bag. Evan stepped out of the car as Heidi sighed, closing the trunk.

"It won't be as bad as you think it's going to be, sweetie. I promise," Heidi said.

"Alright…" Evan smiled.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Evan," Heidi said, pulling her son into a long hug.

Evan exhaled, "I'll miss you too."

After a few seconds, Heidi pulled away and smiled as she brushed her thumb against the side of Evan's face.

"I'll see you this weekend, okay?" she said.

"Okay," Evan nodded.

"Connor, are you even paying attention?" Larry Murphy's voice grumbled from the driver's seat. Connor looked up from the back seat, struggling to keep his eyes open.

"What?" Connor impatiently asked.

"I was just saying that it's important to actually talk to people while you're here," Cynthia said, turning back to face her son and daughter.

"I won't be the one having any problems with that," Zoe said.

"Zoe…" Cynthia started, only to be interrupted by her daughter.

"What's the point? I was doing just fine at our old school. I shouldn't have to come here, but here I am. I have to leave all my friends from band behind. I have to start all over again," Zoe said, "At least this time I don't have to be known as 'the freak's younger sister.'"

"Fuck you," Connor angrily replied.

"Zoe, Connor, enough!" Cynthia said, "Believe it or not, this is going to be a good change for you. Both of you."

Pulling into the parking lot, Larry parked the car, Connor and Zoe stopping to get their bags out of the back. Waving one final goodbye, they watched as their mother and father drove away.

Connor turned back to see that Zoe had already began to walk towards the entrance building, guitar case in hand. He sighed to himself.

Part of him hoped he could start over again.

"You've packed your books?"

"Yes."

"Your folders?"

"Yes."

"Your resume for other extra-curricular activities?"

"Yes."

Alana sat in the passenger seat next to her father.

"Just making sure," Mr. Beck said, the turning to his daughter, "You're going to do great, honey. This school is perfect for you."

"You think so?" Alana asked, faking as much excitement as she could.

"I know so," her father replied as he parked the car, "I'm so proud to have the daughter that I have."

Alana only smiled in response as she got out of the car, Mr. Beck handing her bags to her.

"You're going to do great things, Alana," Mr. Beck said, "You'll graduate with incredible grades, get into any college you want… You'll do it all…"

"Thanks, dad," Alana said, quickly hugging him goodbye before walking towards the entrance, the fake smile vanishing from her face.

Jared looked out the window as he listened to music through his headphones. His mother and father were both on the phone. Probably something to do with work he assumed. Summer had ended and he'd arrived home from a Jewish summer camp a few nights ago. He was miserable the entire time, having not made any friends.

Of course, he wouldn't tell his parents this. He didn't tell his parents anything about himself anymore. If he did, one of two things would happen. His parents either wouldn't care, or they would overreact completely. There was no inbetween.

The car came to a stop in the parking lot. Jared grabbed his belongings and cleared his throat, grabbing their attention.

"I'll, uh… I'll call," Jared said, "I know you're busy but-"

Moving the phone away from her mouth, his mother managed an, 'Okay.'

"Bye, then," Jared said, watching as his parents waved goodbye and drove off. He halfheartedly waved back, before entering the school.