text: Extra medicine and medical equipment are his priorities.
  "We need to keep everyone alive and in good health."
  
  Ron Culling is a auto mechanic. Extra fuel and special tools are his priorities.
  "We may have to fix or fuel the transportation at the marina."
  
  Brian Crane is a college professor. Extra food and general equipment are his priorities.
  "We will need a good supply of the basic necessities."
  
  Who will you support?
  
  > The Mechanic
  It's obvious that reliable transportation, both to and from the marina are the most crucial components of the plan. You spend the next few days convincing Katherine and Doc that the mechanic Ron Culling has the right idea, and you quickly build a strong majority. Jack Matson is furious over the final decision, and you see little of him after the vote.
  
  You and Ron spend much of your time together in the garage preparing the vehicles, and you get to know him well. You also get familiar with the vehicles. You take a break from welding and look at them now.
  
  "The cars should be as safe as the van by the time we leave." Ron says, reading your thoughts. The three cars have been reinforced, but not as well as the van. They do handle better, though. The van has been heavily modified- there are iron bars and chicken wire on the windows, a ram plate on the front, a gunner's hatch cut into the roof, puncture-proof tires... the works. It's the safest vehicle available, but it's also the slowest and least mobile.
  
  The other vehicles are a pick-up truck (an F-350), and five motorcycles (all KLR650s). They haven't been modified, but they are the most mobile. The cycles have spare fuelcans, and the truck has four-wheel drive and a dual fuel tank. The cycles are the best for getting around all the stalled traffic, but they offer no protection from the zombies; or the weather. The truck is safer then the cycles, but not as much as the cars.
  
  You return to welding, working for as long as able before needing rest.
  
  You lay down and fall asleep.
  
  From a deep dream, you are jolted awake. Katherine is eagerly shaking you and whispering, "We have to get out of here- NOW." She looks around. Behind her, you see Ron and several others, armed and ready. "Matson has gone crazy! He's already shot Crane and his wife and God knows who else!" You knew he was nutty, but you never suspected this. "We need to leave. They're coming now!" she ends.
  
  Your small band runs for the garage. Kat slows down to watch your back, but you urge her on. You are almost there when one of Matson's guards steps right in your way! You blast him in the chest and hurdle his body, leaving the head intact; Jack can deal with him later. Once inside, you jump in a vehicle and start it up. You take. . .
  
  Now, you and your fellow survivors defend the tower against an ever growing crowd of undead. There have been plenty of arguments, but everyone has remained civil, and a basic plan has been forming- and while most of the details are already agreed on, some are not.
  
  Everyone agrees that leaving will be necessary soon. It's only a matter of time before the food runs out... or the zombies get in. The vehicles in the garage can carry everyone, but they must be reinforced first. (and that work has already begun.) The destination is Pandrice Island, a small, sparsely populated island. To reach it, you'll need to get to Bay Point Marina for a boat (or possibly a helicopter). You and Katherine agree that it's a good idea.
  
  The disagreements on the plan are about what kind of supplies should be gathered on the way to the harbor. The different opinions have been championed by the emerging leaders. Support is split equally between them into three groups, with a few folks, Katherine included, still undecided.
  
  The leaders and their positions are listed below.
  
  "Doc" Halloway is a paramedic. Extra medicine and medical equipment are his priorities.
  "We need to keep everyone alive and in good health."
  
  Ron Culling is a auto mechanic. Extra fuel and special tools are his priorities.
  "We may have to fix or fuel the transportation at the marina."
  
  Brian Crane is a college professor. Extra food and general equipment are his priorities.
  "We will need a good supply of the basic necessities."
  
  Who will you support?
  
  > The Teacher
  You agree with Brian Crane. A good mix of equipment is needed, with basic necessities taking priority. Clean water and food are vital. The two of you discuss the best way to explain it, and after some brain-storming, spend the next day successfully convincing the others. Matson and his buddies aren't happy, but they do agree that you have a point. You are glad they are understanding, because you know how important cooperation is for the plan to work.
  
  The last undecided details about the plan now concern the vehicles, and when to leave. Ron Culling, the mechanic, wants to spend time working on the truck. Brian wants to gather more supplies. And everyone wants to know who's sitting where, and trading seats, and then trading more as they shuffle. You think decisions need to be made soon- folks are talking more about Pandrice Island then they are about the barricades and zombies, and that's not good. There has already been an incident involving a small break-in due to a lax watchman, and that's worse.
  
  Resting now, you consider the vehicles as you try to fall asleep.
  
  The three cars have been reinforced, but not as well as the van. They do handle better, though. The van has been heavily modified- there are iron bars and chicken wire on the windows, a ram plate on the front, a gunner's hatch cut into the roof, puncture-proof tires... the works. It's the safest vehicle available, but it's also the slowest and least mobile.
  
  The other vehicles are a pick-up truck, and five motorcycles. They haven't been modified, but they are the most mobile. The cycles have spare fuelcans, and the truck has four-wheel drive and a dual fuel tank. The cycles are the best for getting around all the stalled traffic, but they offer no protection from the zombies; or the weather. The truck is safer then the cycles, but not as much as the cars.
  
  Further details of the plan swarm in your mind as you doze off. Your dreams are filled with shimmering blue-green and foamy white; at first. Then they turn to a dripping, running red.
  
  You wake to the sound of gunfire.
  
  Between the bursts, you hear yelling and cursing; and screaming. Weapon in hand and moving fast, you find the worse case scenario unfolding around you- an unmanageable mob of zombies runs a muck! Katherine and the remaining survivors desperately fend them off.
  
  Escape is the only option. "This way!" you call, opening fire to cover the squad's withdraw. Jack Matson follows up the rear and prepares to support you to move when he is blind-sided by a shorter, surprisingly fast zed. It takes a savage bite from his ear before you can blast it.
  
  "ArrahhhH!!!" he cries as his fury surges. His M-16 chops across the room, snapping from target to target, each time belching an unerring flurry of lead. "GO!" he yells as he lowers the rifle to reload, not even turning.
  
  Your diminished band runs for the garage. Katherine slows down to drop some pursuers, but you urge her on. You are almost there when a zombie steps right in your way! You blast it without stopping and hurdle the body. Once inside, you jump in a vehicle and start it up. You take. . .
  
  You are far from home on a trip when the morning news reports mass hysteria and multiple murders. At first you think it's a hoax. Unbelievingly, you listen as the broadcasts confirm that the recently dead are rising and cannibalizing the living!
  
  You control your shock and try to think. Your hotel will not be safe. You are unfamiliar with the area, but you do have some ideas. You consider your options...
  
  Fort Gyver - this old military base isn't too far. You think you'll be safe if you can get inside and grab some weapons. You expect to see many people, and zombies, on your way there.
  
  Marven Mall - this shopping mall isn't too far. It will offer a good mix of equipment and provide reasonable shelter, but you can expect to encounter many looters and zeds on the way.
  
  Stackling Towers - this large, residential tower is very close. It's also practically abandoned now. It should provide good shelter. Food wont be a problem, but other gear may be hard to find.
  
  the Country - You want to escape the area immediately and head for someplace less populated. You'll worry about shelter and equipment as you go. Reaching a rural area may be difficult, but once you're there it should be very safe.
  
  You head to:
  
  > The Country
  You start walking towards a secondary highway. The main freeway is sure to be full of traffic. The morning air is still heavy with dew and carries the faint sound of sirens from all directions. You thought finding a vehicle would be easier, but you quickly realize your mistake. Determined, you press on.
  
  As you approach the highway you find a car wrecked into the front window of a sporting goods store. You duck inside the store and grab a bat. One of the sirens you hear is getting closer. Further along you see another car, this one parked crazily across the curb with the driver's door open. You see it is empty and eagerly jump in, but it won't start. You repeatedly turn the key, pleading with the car and the fates, with the bat across your lap, when you are suddenly jerked from the car!
  
  A man, hangs over you, his teeth snatching at your face as you desperately hold him off. A large section of his scalp laps around like a loose toupee as you fight. His strength is overwhelming and you are sure his next push will will reward him will a mouthful of your nose, but instead of another lunge he goes slack. You push him off you and get up, looking around.
  
  You see a female police officer standing next to a car with a pistol aimed at your face. She's big. Her name tag reads- "Heigs".
  
  "Say something." she says.
  
  "Something." you reply.
  
  She lowers the pistol and looks around. A bright red pony tail pokes out from beneath her dark blue hat. "Do you know what's happening?!?", she asks, grabbing your shoulder with her free hand and looking into your eyes.
  
  "Well....", you begin, not quite sure what to say.
  
  "Zombies!" she exclaims. "Just like the movies! I didn't believe it till a few minutes ago...." She trails off, lost in a thought. Then she comes back, "We have to get out of town!"
  
  > continue. . .
  The two of you got as far as possible, but without supplies or a plan your way was difficult and dangerous. Eventually you came across a group of other survivors, and you took refuge with them at a large farm, with their leader, Ben.
  
  Now, you and your fellow survivors struggle against the ever persistent trickle of undead that wander toward the farmhouse.
  
  There have been plenty of arguments, but everyone has remained civil, and a basic plan has been forming about what to do. While most of the details are already agreed on, some are not.
  
  Everyone agrees that leaving will be necessary soon. The destination is Pandrice Island, a small, sparsely populated island. To reach it, you'll need to get to Bay Point Marina for a boat (or possibly a helicopter). You and Katherine agree that it's a good plan.
  
  The disagreements on the plan are about kind of what supplies should be gathered for the trip to the harbor and to the island. The different opinions have been championed by various members. Support is split equally between them into three groups. A few folks, Katherine included, are still undecided.
  
  The proponents and their positions are listed below.
  
  "Doc" Halloway is a medic. Extra medicine and medical equipment are his priorities.
  "We need to keep everyone alive and in good health."
  
  Brian Crane is a teacher. Extra food and general equipment are his priorities.
  "We will need a good supply of the basic necessities."
  
  Jack Matson is a soldier. Extra ammo and better weapons are his priorities.
  "We need to arm ourselves! It's dangerous out there!"
  
  Who will you support?
  
  > The Medic
  You think Doc Holloway, the medic, has the best plan. Over the next few days you convince Katherine and some of the others that more medical supplies will be needed most. You also spend a lot of time talking to Doc- mostly about the vehicles and supplies; but also about Pandrice Island. Now, the two of you chat over a late meal.....
  
  "We'll move the rest of the supplies to the garage next week, the night before we leave. The last patrol found a lot of useful stuff at that location you suggested. Some of it's still in the van." The van had been heavily modified- the windows reinforced with iron bars and chicken wire, a ram plate on the front, a gunner's hatch cut into the roof, puncture-proof tires... the works. It's the safest vehicle available, but it's also the slowest and least mobile.
  
  "The cars should be as safe as the van by the time we leave." he adds, reading your thoughts. The three cars have also been reinforced, but not as well. They do handle better then the van, though.
  
  The other vehicles are a pick-up truck, and five motorcycles. They haven't been modified, but they are the most mobile. The cycles have spare fuelcans, and the truck has four-wheel drive and a dual fuel tank. The cycles are the best for getting around all the stalled traffic, but they offer no protection from the zombies; or even the weather. The truck is safer then the cycles, but not as safe as the cars.
  
  "Everyone is still arguing over the seating arrangements," he concludes, "...but we'll leave that for tomorrow. For now, let's get some rest." You agree and say goodnight.
  
  You lay down to sleep. The details of the plan, and the promise of real safety on the island, swarm in your mind as you doze off.
  
  You wake to the sound of gunfire. Between the bursts, you hear yelling and cursing; and screaming. Weapon in hand and moving fast, you find the worse case scenario unfolding around you- an unmanageable mob of zombies runs a muck! Katherine and a few remaining survivors desperately fend them off. You join the fray, blasting one zombie after the other, but there is no end to them.
  
  Doc appears near your side, "We have to get out of here!" he yells, motioning in the direction of the garage.
  
  Your small group runs for the garage. Kat slows down to kill some pursuers, but you urge her on. You are almost there when a zombie steps right in your way! You dispatch it without stopping and hurdle the lifeless corpse. Once inside, you jump in a vehicle and start it up. You take. . .
  
  The two of you got as far as possible, but without supplies or a plan your way was difficult and dangerous. Eventually you came across a group of other survivors, and you took refuge with them at a large farm, with their leader, Ben.
  
  Now, you and your fellow survivors struggle against the ever persistent trickle of undead that wander toward the farmhouse.
  
  There have been plenty of arguments, but everyone has remained civil, and a basic plan has been forming about what to do. While most of the details are already agreed on, some are not.
  
  Everyone agrees that leaving will be necessary soon. The destination is Pandrice Island, a small, sparsely populated island. To reach it, you'll need to get to Bay Point Marina for a boat (or possibly a helicopter). You and Katherine agree that it's a good plan.
  
  The disagreements on the plan are about kind of what supplies should be gathered for the trip to the harbor and to the island. The different opinions have been championed by various members. Support is split equally between them into three groups. A few folks, Katherine included, are still undecided.
  
  The proponents and their positions are listed below.
  
  "Doc" Halloway is a medic. Extra medicine and medical equipment are his priorities.
  "We need to keep everyone alive and in good health."
  
  Brian Crane is a teacher. Extra food and general equipment are his priorities.
  "We will need a good supply of the basic necessities."
  
  Jack Matson is a soldier. Extra ammo and better weapons are his priorities.
  "We need to arm ourselves! It's dangerous out there!"
  
  Who will you support?
  
  > The Teacher
  You agree with Brian Crane. A good mix of equipment is needed, with basic necessities taking priority. Clean water and food are vital. The two of you discuss the best way to explain it, and after some brain-storming, spend the next day successfully convincing the others. Matson and his buddies aren't happy, but they do agree that you have a point. You are glad they are understanding, because you know how important cooperation is for the plan to work.
  
  The last undecided details about the plan now concern the vehicles, and when to leave. Ron Culling, the mechanic, wants to spend time working on the truck. Brian wants to gather more supplies. And everyone wants to know who's sitting where, and trading seats, and then trading more as they shuffle. You think decisions need to be made soon- folks are talking more about Pandrice Island then they are about the barricades and zombies, and that's not good. There has already been an incident involving a small break-in due to a lax watchman, and that's worse.
  
  Resting now, you consider the vehicles as you try to fall asleep.
  
  The three cars have been reinforced, but not as well as the van. They do handle better, though. The van has been heavily modified- there are iron bars and chicken wire on the windows, a ram plate on the front, a gunner's hatch cut into the roof, puncture-proof tires... the works. It's the safest vehicle available, but it's also the slowest and least mobile.
  
  The other vehicles are a pick-up truck, and five motorcycles. They haven't been modified, but they are the most mobile. The cycles have spare fuelcans, and the truck has four-wheel drive and a dual fuel tank. The cycles are the best for getting around all the stalled traffic, but they offer no protection from the zombies; or the weather. The truck is safer then the cycles, but not as much as the cars.
  
  Further details of the plan swarm in your mind as you doze off. Your dreams are filled with shimmering blue-green and foamy white; at first. Then they turn to a dripping, running red.
  
  You wake to the sound of gunfire.
  
  Between the bursts, you hear yelling and cursing; and screaming. Weapon in hand and moving fast, you find the worse case scenario unfolding around you- an unmanageable mob of zombies runs a muck! Katherine and the remaining survivors desperately fend them off.
  
  Escape is the only option. "This way!" you call, opening fire to cover the squad's withdraw. Jack Matson follows up the rear and prepares to support you to move when he is blind-sided by a shorter, surprisingly fast zed. It takes a savage bite from his ear before you can blast it.
  
  "ArrahhhH!!!" he cries as his fury surges. His M-16 chops across the room, snapping from target to target, each time belching an unerring flurry of lead. "GO!" he yells as he lowers the rifle to reload, not even turning.
  
  Your diminished band runs for the garage. Katherine slows down to drop some pursuers, but you urge her on. You are almost there when a zombie steps right in your way! You blast it without stopping and hurdle the body. Once inside, you jump in a vehicle and start it up. You take. . .
  
  The two of you got as far as possible, but without supplies or a plan your way was difficult and dangerous. Eventually you came across a group of other survivors, and you took refuge with them at a large farm, with their leader, Ben.
  
  Now, you and your fellow survivors struggle against the ever persistent trickle of undead that wander toward the farmhouse.
  
  There have been plenty of arguments, but everyone has remained civil, and a basic plan has been forming about what to do. While most of the details are already agreed on, some are not.
  
  Everyone agrees that leaving will be necessary soon. The destination is Pandrice Island, a small, sparsely populated island. To reach it, you'll need to get to Bay Point Marina for a boat (or possibly a helicopter). You and Katherine agree that it's a good plan.
  
  The disagreements on the plan are about kind of what supplies should be gathered for the trip to the harbor and to the island. The different opinions have been championed by various members. Support is split equally between them into three groups. A few folks, Katherine included, are still undecided.
  
  The proponents and their positions are listed below.
  
  "Doc" Halloway is a medic. Extra medicine and medical equipment are his priorities.
  "We need to keep everyone alive and in good health."
  
  Brian Crane is a teacher. Extra food and general equipment are his priorities.
  "We will need a good supply of the basic necessities."
  
  Jack Matson is a soldier. Extra ammo and better weapons are his priorities.
  "We need to arm ourselves! It's dangerous out there!"
  
  Who will you support?
  
  > The Soldier
  Weapons and ammunition are the key to survival, in your opinion. You think Jack Matson has some good ideas; they are better then the others, at least. You think your plan is better, of course, and some agree with you, but as much as you argue your case, most of the survivors side with Matson. You think the work, and decision making, would be going faster with a better leader- namely, you. And Jack knows this.
  
  Determined to shake his support, you decide to bring up the plan details concerning the vehicles at the next meal. You have a clipboard from the garage next to your plate.
  
  "I see you're driving the van, Matson." you begin dryly. The van is heavily modified- there are iron bars and chicken wire on the windows, a ram plate on the front, a gunner's hatch cut into the roof, puncture-proof tires... the works. It's the safest vehicle available, but it's also the slowest and least mobile.
  
  "The cars should be as safe as the van by the time we leave. Everyone will be safe." he says, defensively. The three cars have been reinforced also, but not as well. They do handle better then the van, though.
  
  The other vehicles are a pick-up truck, and five motorcycles. They haven't been modified, but they are the most mobile. The cycles have spare fuelcans, and the truck has four-wheel drive and a dual fuel tank. The cycles are the best for getting around all the stalled traffic, but they offer no protection from zombies; or the elements. The truck is safer then the cycles, at least for the driver, but not as much as the cars.
  
  You continue to point out that Jack and his closest supporters have most of the best seats. The debate goes on for longer than you think should be necessary. You think most of the other survivors are just scared of Jack, so you give up, leaving to get some rest.
  
  You quickly fall asleep.
  
  From a deep dream, you jump awake, weapon in hand. Katherine is gently shaking you awake and whispering, "We have to get out of here- NOW." She looks around. Behind her you see some of your new friends, armed and ready. "Matson has gone crazy. Ron says he's planning to kill you!" You figured as much. And to be honest, you had considered the same. "We need to leave. They're coming now!" she says.
  
  Your small group runs for the garage. Kat slows down to watch your back, but you urge her on. You are almost there when one of Matson's guards steps right in your way! You blast him in the chest and hurdle his body, leaving the head intact; Jack can deal with him later. Once inside, you jump in a vehicle and start it up. You take. . .[Themes: fantasy, drama, fantasy]
  
  It's quiet. I take a breath and hold it in as long as I can. Then, I breathe out. It's peaceful here. I remember when everything used to be that way.
  
  I walk among the tombstones brushing my hand over each one. My favorite is Edwin's. That one looks almost blue to me. His parents must have been rich. It was made to last for hundreds of years. So far, it has.
  
  A soft breeze blows through the Maples. The leaves sound a bit like rain. They dance in the sunlight. I like sunlight. I like how it warms my skin.
  
  I don't know why the others never come out here, but I am glad that they don't. Nobody does. That's why it's quiet.
  
  The silence is broken when I hear the bells. Mr. Rockford hates it when I'm late. I run over to Mrs. Murdock.
  
  I'll be going now," I say.
  The old lady smiles at me. "Okay, see you tomorrow."
  
  I really do like her. She lets me work at my schools graveyard. I tidy things up for her here so she can rest. In return, she vouches for me whenever I am late. I'm late often.
  
  I'd better hurry.
  
  > To the Schoolhouse
  I fly as fast as my legs can muster. The bells have stopped ringing. I'm probably going to be late.
  
  I open the doors of the schoolhouse. Nobody meanders about in the halls. I sprint to room 33. I push the doors and enter panting. Everyone else already has taken their seats.
  
  Mr. Rockford says, "You're early Mr. Lawrence. Well, for you at least." Even though his tone was dry, I smile. I've made it in time.
  
  I take my seat. I pull my textbook from my backpack... This is why I'm glad that we always use the same classroom.
  
  "Class open your textbook to page 397. To continue from last week, the mathematical term i means what?" He pauses for an answer. No one does. "It's a non-real thing used to solve problems." I stop paying attention. Old Rockford always reviews for the first ten minutes.
  
  I glance over at Oscar. He gives a rambunctious grin. I give a small nod. He returns one. Our plan tonight will hopefully work. It's not very immoral. At least, our dorms will like it.
  
  I look at Milton. He's paying close attention to the teacher. He's happy today. It's his fourteenth birthday. We'll give him a... gift to remember. Of course, we won't ruin his birthday. We'll wait until midnight.
  
  I put my attention back onto my crusty old teacher. I don't want to get in trouble now and miss out on all the fun coming up.
  
  He's still talking about that stupid i. Darn, why can't the day to end soon?
  
  I sit in my chair and let my mind wander. I have to pass the time somehow.
  
  I look at these boringly familiar walls. Everything's made out of brick. Well, the tables aren't. I never saw a brick table before. Anyway, the curtain is pulled over the window. I like staring out the glass. I love seeing the wind rustle the leaves. I wish time breezes by like it does when playing with my friends...
  
  > Friends
  The familiar bongs of the bell pierces through everything. All teachers stops talking and the students throughout the school have a small sliver of glee.
  
  "Class dismissed. No homework tonight," says Mr. Rockford.
  
  I give a sly grin to Oscar. We grab our backpacks and rush out of the classroom. We do not stop running until we reach our dorm. When the door closes, we both grab our supplies.
  
  "I got the shaving cream." Oscar laughs a bit like an evil genius.
  "I got the hammer and nail."
  
  We both show the... repurposed items to the other. The staff hates our pranks even though everybody does it.
  
  "Let's put 'em back before the others get here." I nod in reply to Oscar. We hide the items in our drawers.
  "Who did you take the cream from?"
  "I just found it." Oscar lies. I guess I shouldn't know.
  
  We both laugh. I can hear their screams already.
  
  "Hey, what's the joke?" asks one of our dormmates. We both shrug. Well, the others are arriving. Now, all Oscar and I have to do is wait for midnight.
  
  >Another one of our dormmates comes inside very excited. "Hey guys!" He looks around to see how many of us are hare. "The twelvers challenged us to a soccer game!" We charge out the door in moments. Like a herd of buffalo, nothing can get in our stampede to the fields. We pass the other dorms, we run around the central water fountain, and we gallop by the dozens of buildings.
  
  We all stop. For only a moment, there are only two dozen boys, a soccer field, and a massive forest. The moment ends when the twelvers arrive. They jeer at us sixers. We jeer back at them. It's all in jest. Dorm rivalries normally exist only to provide us entertainment. Well, the exception is the oners. I hate those jerks.
  
  One of the sixers places the soccer ball in the middle of the field. My friends all get into their positions. I'm defense. I wish I knew what this position is called, but we're amateurs. All I have to do is protect our goalie.
  
  Two boys, one from each dorm, volunteer to be a referee. They quickly say the rules. I already know them. It's no cheating and best of twenty.
  
  I gaze at my opponents. We should be able to beat them. Our boys are more athletic.
  
  Out of the corner of my eye, I see girls walking up. I recognize one of them as my old friend Maria. There's a good chance that she'll want to play with one of the teams. The other girls might also. All of them are among the better athletes we have at this school.
  
  I could call out to them. It could help our team... though Oscar and the others might not want to play with girls.
  
  > invite Them
  I yell, "Hey girls, you want to join us?"
  "Heck yeah!" Maria shouts. The girls all run over to our side. A few of us twelvers, including me, step off the field to give the girls our position. Others, like Oscar, seem very unhappy with this turn of events.
  
  The game starts. Within seconds, it becomes apparent that we are going to win. Our best members and the girls overwhelm the twelver's defense.
  
  "Thanks." Startled, I turn around. There's Maria. Why isn't she playing too?
  "I thought you wanted to play."
  "Oh, I do. My turn should come eventually. I wanted to thank you first. What you did was kind."
  "Hey, what are friends for?"
  "Yeah... I could do better in that regard." She looks at her feet.
  "Don't be glum."
  "Sorry, I just... We don't talk much anymore. During the noon break, would you want to talk?"
  "Sure." I nod.
  
  Two boys on our team run off the field, and one tells us to replace them. Maria and I run onto the field. She's on offense, so I don't get to talk to her until the game ends. It was a victory: 20-4.
  
  Oscar runs over to me. We hive-five each other.
  
  That was awesome. We crushed 'em." My friend laughs.
  "You like my choice now?"
  "Yeah yeah, the girls were... fine."
  "Well, it looks like the others are all leaving. What are you going to do?"
  I'm gonna go swim... No, I just remembered. I got some homework to do. See you tonight, right?
  Of course.
  
  Oscar walks away. I'm the last one on the field. I have hours to spend before nightfall, and I'm caught up on my homework. I'll just meander. Maybe, I can find something interesting.
  
  > Meandering
  I head off to nowhere in particular. Along the way, I pass by the buildings were we are supposed to learn. I think everybody likes the physical building more. It's a new edition to the school grounds. I find it significantly less creepy than the other buildings. They are dark and brick. It reminds me of a place out of Mr... Uh, what's his name? I learned about him two weeks ago... Oh, it reminds me of a place found in Mr. Poe's stories. Whoever designed it must have been depressed or something like that.
  
  "Mr. Lawrence." I stop in my tracks. Why is Mr. Rockford calling my name? Did they find out about our plans for tonight?
  "Y-Yes, Mr. Rockford?" I try not to look nervous.
  "I'd like to talk to you about your grades." Thank goodness, I'm safe. It looks like I'll be here for a while. He's standing next to me.
  "Uh, I thought my grades are fine."
  "They are 'fine', but they are not good. You are sitting directly under an A."
  "Yeah, that's great."
  "You motivation, however, is absolutely not. I want you to have an A in my course when we finish for the year."
  "Will do. Is that all?"
  He sighs. "I am willing to provide any help if needed. Come by my office any time during school hours in which I am not teaching."
  "Yes Sir, I'll keep that in mind."
  "That is all, Mr. Lawrence."
  "Bye."
  
  I continue walking. I take my time to look at the trees. One of the few things I like about this place is that it's in a forest. We're far away from most people. The entire town pretty much used just to serve the school, but colleges do the same thing. Anyway, the trees are nice to look at. I can see dozens of trees no matter which way I look. If I look North, I see hundreds.
  
  I pass the graveyard. Mrs. Murdock rakes leaves in there. At night, she sleeps in a little house by the cemetery to keep out looters. The only problem is that there has never been a looter and Mrs. Murdoc