The parents could be in on it, or their son conned them as well.
He may have figured he needed to get out of the area without drawing suspicion, so he finished his semester and then called home saying he was going to take a break, put his stuff in storage and drive home and think things through instead of flying home for Christmas.
“You’re going to drive all alone that whole way - in the winter!!?? Dad will go out there and help you drive back.”
“No ma, it’s not a problem - I’ve done it before.”
“Well not during the winter. And I don’t understand this “taking a break” thing, you’ve been doing so well. What’s the matter? And you don’t call anymore that isn’t like you. Dad will come out and help you. Won’t you dad?”
The dialogue is very believable.