Ms. Maxon continued her lecture, taking note of but not particularly caring that over half of her students had fallen asleep. Those who remained awake appeared to be completely lifeless, and the teacher ceased speaking for an instant as she tugged at the collar of her shirt and wished she had worn a t-shirt that day.

A beeping noise filled the silent room. Ms. Maxon jerked from her position standing by her desk; she had nearly fallen asleep on her feet. Dusting off her pristine clothing, Ms. Maxon blushed slightly and gazed around the room for the source of the sound. Students of the school were forbidden to have cell phones, beepers, watches, or anything else that would beep with them during classtime. She easily zeroed in on the sound - Cosette Galen's tiny, rose-colored calculator.