A. He reflects back and describes his initial optimism of the war.
Everyone initially feels that optimism going into a battle. The idea of victory is something easy to see. But it gives the idea that possibly it may not turn out exactly as he hopes in the final sentence.
The answer: n + 8 where n is the variable
AS far as I know your credit score can't be affected by your parents. Your credit score can only be affected by the overdue payments and purchases you make.