The story flashes back to an unspecified point in time months before Tim’s arrival in DuPray: 12-year-old genius Luke Ellis plans to simultaneously enroll in MIT and Emerson University in the fall—with the support of his parents, Herb and Eileen, as well as the alumni association of Broderick School for Exceptional Children. Luke talks about his hunger for knowledge, equating it to an abyss. Herb reminds him of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous adage, that staring into the abyss leads to it staring back.

Luke also exhibits minor telekinesis (i.e., ruffling pages and lifting small objects), a talent only his parents know about.

Being much younger than the other children taking the SATs, Luke attracts attention—with one girl asking him how he solved a particular math question. Luke shares his process and doesn’t know whether to comfort his dejected companion or leave her alone. He reflects on life being like a test, only every question has dozens of possible answers.

A few weeks later, three strangers enter the Ellis home in the middle of the night. They shoot Herb and Eileen, sedate Luke, and take him away.