The Dream Snatcher

By R Louise Nelson

Mason Green returned from a fun summer vacation with his friends only to find himself in second grade with a new, scary teacher named Mr. Cromwell. To add to the stress, he goes to visit his sister Lindsey, who tells him that something is coming for him. Not knowing whether to believe her, Mason struggles with anxieties made worse by Mr. Cromwell’s harsh teaching. He soon realizes what Lindsey told him may not be just another hallucination when something taps at his window each night.
Is the monster real? What is it, and what does it want with Mason and his friends?
Read on to find out the nature of the beast as we cross the border between fantasy and reality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R Louise Nelson
• Release date: Mar 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005968052

R Louise Nelson

R. Louise Nelson is a graduate of Elizabethtown College, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Creative Writing. She’s loved literature ever since she learned to read and has enjoyed all kinds of books, from classic to suspense. She has written her own stories, poems, and essays throughout her school years, but that passion died for some time because she lacked confidence in her work. It wasn’t until God reached her that she decided to pick up the pen once more and do what she was made to do. As you can see, her passion lies in fiction and fantasy, so that’s what she’ll keep on doing. She currently lives in Middletown, PA with her mom and carries the hope of a brighter future.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Mason watched the sun dip toward the horizon as he licked the last of his ice cream. His friends sat next to him atop a small hill, marveling at how time had quickly melted like their frozen treats. It was the last day of one of the best summers of their lives. They had spent the past few months at Claire’s parents’ cabin, where her mom and dad became the hosts of a fun-filled vacation. Together they hiked, biked, swam, climbed trees, roasted marshmallows and hotdogs over an open flame, caught fireflies, slept until the sun was high in the sky, and did so much more. On the days it rained, they took to splashing in the puddles—when Claire’s parents allowed it—and, begrudgingly, worked on their summer assignments.

Summer is for goofing off and having fun, Claire said during one of their work sessions, so why did they give us all this work?

To make us miserable even when we’re out of class, Josh replied.

This stuff’s really hard, though. Do you think that means our teacher will be bad too?

Mason said he didn’t know.

Though it was challenging, they all managed to get everything done a few days before the first day of school, which would be the day after tomorrow. The three of them lamented this fact as the sky grew dark. The sun was barely a blip on the edge of the horizon. It made the sky change from orange to darker shades of purple. The scent of hamburgers and hotdogs faded on the evening breeze, soon to be overpowered by smells of pine and burning wood. Cicadas chirped, harmonizing with the crickets and warbling toads. The air cooled as the day neared its end.

They heard the screen door slam as Claire’s dad came out the back door. Are you kids ready for the final hurrah?

YEAH! they yelled.

All righty then! Prepare the wood!

They all knew the drill by now. Claire, Mason, and Josh ran to the shed. They each grabbed an armful of wood and set them by the pit, arranging them the way Mr. Beaumont showed them. Mr. Beaumont lit the fire using a pocket-sized lighter and had it blazing in moments. They sat next to the flames and watched them dance as their fiery fingers reached for the stars.

Mrs. Beaumont came out of the cabin carrying a tray of water. Holy cow, Ches! she exclaimed. Now that’s a bonfire!

Mr. Beaumont spoke with pride. You bet it is! He waited until his wife finished handing out the drinks, then he put his arm around her as they sat together on one of the logs.

The skies were clear that night. They darkened from purple to black, giving rise to a silvery half-moon that joined the twinkling stars. Through the smoke, those tiny lights seemed to flicker in time to an unknown beat with the flames. Mason saw more than he could ever see at home—the lights and noise of the city smothered the constellations and gave nature a run for its money. The forest was calm; peaceful. It gave him time to think and dream.

When they went on their walks through the forest, Mason let his mind wander. He dreamed that he was in an enchanted place surrounded by fairies and elves and other magical creatures. When they crested hills that overlooked small clearings, he pictured himself soaring on the wings of eagles and other birds that soared overhead. He saw himself traveling to these places on a horse, or he imagined he was an explorer going on an adventure through uncharted territory. He included his friends in these daydreams sometimes, but those journeys were mostly for him.

Mason loved Claire’s cabin and all the land that surrounded it. It was beautiful, even on rainy days. The way the water beaded the grass and wildflowers and the soft patter of rain hitting the earth was far more spectacular than listening to the gurgling and sloshing of water running through the gutters along the sidewalks. Mason could hear all kinds of animals twittering both day and night, and there were so many things to explore. Each day was accompanied by food on the grill, and they got to choose between roasting marshmallows or going out for ice cream. He wished he could stay there forever. All his problems would be waiting where he’d left them at home, and in just another day he would have to face a new teacher at the same scary school. The worst part of it would be all those lonely nights when Mom had to work and he would have to go to sleep. Then he’d wake up in the morning just to be alone again with no hope of seeing her until later that day.

Mason gazed at the starry outline of Hercules with longing. Before this summer, he didn’t know any of the constellations except for the big and little dippers. Claire’s mom showed him the other ones using her big book of stars and told him all of their names. She also told him the stories behind the astrological symbols that people associated with based on their birthdays. Her book of astrology identified Mason as a Libra, Josh as a Leo, and Claire as an Aquarius. When Josh heard this, he pumped his fists in the air and roared, while Claire rolled her eyes and giggled at him. Mason thought it was silly that people affiliated themselves with stars, but he found the folklore behind the patterns of stars to be very interesting. He promised himself he would never forget them even after he went home.

Josh chucked another hunk of wood into the fire. It crackled and shot up even higher. Shoot! he exclaimed as one of the sparks whizzed by his fingers.

You should be more careful, Claire said. Next time you might find your finger roasting over the fire instead of a hotdog.

I don’t think my finger’d taste very good, Josh commented.

The bear might like it.

Claire, her father warned.

I was just kidding, Claire whimpered.

Yeah, don’t worry about it, Pops, Josh said. She was just joshin’ the Josh.

They all got a laugh out of that.

An owl hooted from somewhere deep in the woods. Its cry was mournful and lonely. It made Mason think about going home again. He stared into his glass of water and took a sip.

When the fire was nothing more than smoldering ashes, Claire’s parents declared that it was time for bed. The kids whined and begged, but the adults would not relent. They returned to the cabin, brushed their teeth, got in their pajamas, and settled into their sleeping bags on the living room floor. Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont wished them sweet dreams before turning off the lights and going up the stairs. Moonlight filtered through the windows, illuminating the shadows. A couch and a few chairs and side tables were scattered throughout the room, but the area was mostly empty, giving Mason and his friends plenty of room to sleep. The floors were hardwood, but a soft carpet lay beneath them so they could rest comfortably. A large dreamcatcher cast spider-like patterns on the floor and along the far wall. Cool air blew through the screen of an open window. The nice part about being in the mountains was that there was never a need for air conditioning, and some nights they even needed a heater.

Josh, Mason, and Claire took some time to recount the day’s events before falling asleep. Josh said he enjoyed swimming in the lake one last time, and he proclaimed that he would be the next Tarzan after all the tree climbing he did over the summer. Claire marveled at the tadpoles and other small creatures she’d found in the river but was dismayed that she had to set them all loose tomorrow morning. Mason listened quietly for the most part, but they all agreed that they dreaded going back to school.

I can’t believe we have to go back already, Josh complained.

Summer goes by too fast, Mason agreed.

Josh groaned. I would’ve paid more attention if I knew it was gonna do that.

Just a few months and we’ll have Thanksgiving and Christmas, Claire reminded them.

That’s too far away! Josh wailed.

Hey! I don’t hear sleeping noises down there! Claire’s dad yelled from upstairs.

The three of them immediately fell silent.

Josh started snoring a few minutes later. Claire was about to drift off when Mason whispered, Hey, Claire?

What?

I wish I had parents like yours.

They’re not that great, she said with nonchalance. Dad snores, and Mom complains when my room isn’t clean.

I’ll bet he doesn’t snore as loud as Josh.

No one does.

They giggled and glanced nervously at the stairs. It seemed like her parents were fast sleepers too.

I’m sure your mom misses you, Claire said after they settled down.

I guess.

And your sister. How long has it been since you’ve seen her?

April, I think.

Is your mom gonna take you back there soon?

Mason thought about it. Probably, but she’s busy.

Mason couldn’t see Claire roll her eyes in the dark. "She’s always busy. She has to have time to see your sister sometimes, though, especially if you beg her. I don’t know if she’ll remember me, but could you tell Lindsey I said hi?"

Sure, Mason replied.

Good. Satisfied, Claire snuggled into her bag. We can talk more in the morning. I’m tired.

Me too.

Good night, then.

Good night.

Dark thoughts troubled Mason; about school and Mom and Lindsey. Still, his eyes grew heavy, and he had to let tomorrow happen. He dreamed that he and his friends were lost in the forest. It was not unpleasant or even scary; rather it felt surreal and full of wonder. The trees glowed with ethereal light, as did the flowers and grass below. Animals walked right up to them to sniff their hands and study them with their large, beady eyes. It was a place that felt peaceful; safe. It made Mason all the more dismayed when he woke up only to find that such wonders would shortly come to an end.

Chapter 2

Mason followed Mr. Beaumont as he carried his suitcase to the car. Two hours had passed since he and his friends woke up, and it was already time for him to go. Their last breakfast together had been wonderful: a smorgasbord of pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns. After that, they played a few rounds of Uno and went on a short walk to take one last look at their surroundings. Rows of trees stretched on for miles. Birds sang in their branches and rustled the leaves as they fluttered from here to there. Squirrels skipped along the ground, waving their bushy tails, while most of the other animals had gone to sleep. Mason watched them, wishing he could stay there even if it meant becoming one of them.

Before they knew it, Josh’s dad came down the driveway in his big black car. He gave them all a friendly greeting and mussed Josh’s hair before taking his bags to the car. Claire and Mason said goodbye to him, but Josh said, What’re we saying goodbye for? I’ll see you two the day after tomorrow!

This brought them little consolation—the reality was they were saying goodbye to the fun, carefree world of summer.

Mason, Claire, and her parents sat outside in the warm summer air until his mom’s SUV pulled up a few minutes later. She stumbled out of the vehicle looking hot and tired. Her uniform was wrinkled and stained with sweat and splotches of flour. Her hair was a mess beneath her net, and the lines on her face seemed deeper than Mason remembered. Sorry I’m late, she said. Took me a while to get from the shop to here.

Why you’re not late at all, said Mrs. Beaumont. Besides, it is always a pleasure to have your son over.

You’re too kind. Mason’s mom fiddled with her hairnet. I could never thank you enough for all that you do. I really hate to impose—

It’s no trouble at all, Mrs. Beaumont insisted. Your boy is very well-behaved and fun to be around. We’re always happy to have him.

I’m glad to hear that. She glanced at Mason. He looked sad and disappointed. She turned away from him. We’d better get going.

Mason gave a slow nod. He said goodbye to Claire.

See you at school, she said with a smile.

He smiled back, but it felt forced.

Mason watched the cabin shrink as gravel crunched beneath the tires. The clearing gave way to the forested area Mason and his friends had explored almost every day. Trees swayed on either side of him as if waving goodbye. He waved back at them. They soon gave way to rocky outcroppings as they drove along the side of a mountain. Out Mom’s window was a sea of trees spanning for miles below the ridge. A light blue sky with wispy clouds hung over it, and the sun was high above it all. The car’s air conditioning roared in his ears as he beheld nature one last time, drowning out the cries of the birds and bugs. Mason shivered and wrapped his blanket tightly around him. It smelled like woods and campfires.

Sorry, kiddo, but it’s a hot one today, said Mason’s mom. Her face was a little red, but the sweat had dried from her body.

Mason let his mind wander back to the days he’d shared with his friends. Mom didn’t speak much on the ride home—she kept her eyes on the road and just drove. Mason was fine with that; he didn’t want to talk anyway. He wasn’t mad at her—he just wanted to be left alone. He watched as his surroundings showed more signs of civilization. The lines of trees thinned out and were replaced by more houses. As they got closer to home, all the green was replaced by dull concrete and pavement. Buildings reached for the sky like blocky fingers, and the air had somewhat of a haze. The Beaumont family cabin had disappeared into some far-off oblivion and was only a distant memory now, never to be seen again.

Chapter 3

Mason waited on the front steps. As each minute passed, he was certain they would never come. Josh’s dad was supposed to take both him and Josh to school because Mason’s mom was busy with work. She was gone before he even woke up that morning, but she’d left him a note saying she loved him and wished him well at school.

His alarm was what woke him, so he got dressed, had some cereal, and waited outside of the building. They’d done this ever since Mason first started school and made friends with Josh, so he was used to it by now. Mom would be home later in the afternoon to give him supper and talk for a while, then she would be off to her other job. No big deal—he could always call if he needed anything. Mom gave him a cellphone just for that reason. Both of them had one so Mason could reach her anytime, anywhere if he needed to. Mom had saved a lot of money to buy them, so she always told him to keep his phone charged and take good care of it.

Cars zipped by on their way to work. They had to slow many times as traffic thickened, and some honked as they were eager to get on their way. Mason made a game of it some days by counting the cars that bore whatever color he chose, but he was too nervous to do that now. The first few years of school had been easy, but transitioning was always hard. There were always new people and new things to see and do, and that scared him. It would help having his friends around, but he still didn’t want to go.

A black Volkswagen pulled to the side of the road, and the side window was rolled down. Ready to go, kiddo? Mr. Carmichael called from the front seat.

Mason nodded and climbed in the back next to Josh. He set his bag on the floor, and the car pulled onto the road. Josh had a big grin on his face as he waved at Mason. Mason tried to smile back.

Mr. Carmichael glanced at them through the rearview mirror. His two dark eyes were surrounded by a mop of curly salt-and-pepper hair, and a small mustache hung beneath his nose like a fuzzy caterpillar. You boys excited for school? he asked.

Nope, but I’m glad to see Mason again, said Josh.

’Course you are, Mr. Carmichael replied. Just make sure ya pay attention in class and do everything yer teacher asks ya to do.

I will, Josh whined.

Ya won’t like it now, but you’ll be glad when yer older and can find a good job. Mr. Carmichael focused on the road for a bit and made a turn at one of the traffic lights. What about you, Mason? Feelin’ ok?

I guess so, he mumbled.

Don’t mind him, said Josh. He’s just bummed that smore season is over.

Ya want s’more? asked Josh’s dad.

Josh laughed. Mason only smiled. It felt good to be with them again. Josh’s dad was a nice, goofy guy, just like his son. He helped Mason feel more at ease. He was glad his friends would be there at school with him. Mason heard they’d be in the same class together, so it couldn’t be so bad.

They arrived about ten minutes later. The school was a large gray structure surrounded by high metal fencing meant to keep the kids from running into the street or leaving too soon. The playground area was a small dirt patch that had a slide and a few swings to play on. It wasn’t that nice to look at, but it had all that it needed inside for learning up until the sixth grade. This was Mason’s third year of going to school, but no matter how many times he went the first day was always the worst. Things usually got better after that, but Mason knew it would only get worse as he got older. He saw himself being one of those men in stiff suits doing paperwork all day. It gave him chills. Still, school was the place where he had met his friends. They were there for him when everyone had to get in groups for games or class assignments, and they even spent time with him outside of school. Mason could never thank them enough for that.

After slowing to a stop along the sidewalk, Mr. Carmichael said, Well, boys, end of the line. Better pay up.

But we don’t have any money, Josh said.

Then I guess I’ll have to count on you two to be good today and come back in one piece.

We’re always good, Dad, said Josh.

Except when yer not. Mr. Carmichael reached in the back and ruffled his son’s hair before sending him off with Mason. Have fun learnin’! he called after them.

Mason and Josh followed the stream of students into the hall. The first few doors belonged to kindergarteners, then first-graders, and so on. They heard shouting and laughter when they walked by, and they glanced into the rooms. Children clambered over colorful carpets, playing with dolls and toy blocks. The teacher’s head swiveled from child to child to make sure they didn’t get out of hand. Their voices grew softer as Mason and Josh went further down the hall. Their classroom was toward the end of the building. Next year, they would have to take the stairs to get to and from class. Mason wasn’t looking forward to that.

I want my money back if we’re not all in the same class, Josh muttered.

Why wouldn’t we be? Mason asked.

I don’t know, because life sucks I guess.

Mason sighed. I wish we could be in Miss Rosemary’s class again. She was so nice.

Yeah, she’s the best, Josh agreed. Maybe we can stop by later and see how she’s doing.

Mason turned his gaze toward the ground. That would be great.

Miss Rosemary was their teacher last year. She was the sweetest lady in the entire school—she gave them candy for giving the right answer to a question, read to them using special voices, and made adding and subtracting into a game. For every kid’s birthday, she made a large cake from scratch with the most delicious icing (and lots of it!), and they all sang and played games for half of the day. She made school feel safe and fun, but now Mason would have a new teacher, and it was someone he didn’t know. Mason didn’t like strangers. Especially adult ones. Mom warned him about them and said he should call the cops if anyone tried to go after him.

Fortunately, Claire was sitting in the second row from the front, and there were a few empty seats next to her. Mason and Josh sat down and leaned their bags against the legs of their desks. Excited murmurs filled the room as children conversed all around them.

How’s it hangin’, Claire-bear? asked Josh.

She glared at him. Nothing is hanging, and I told you to stop calling me ‘Claire-bear!’ You know I hate that!

I know, but your face is always funny when I call you that.

"Your face’ll look funny if you don’t stop it!" Claire growled.

Josh just grinned at her. She ignored him and asked, How have you been doing, Mason?

Okay, but I miss your cabin.

Me too. Summer went by quick, didn’t it?

Yeah. Mason’s eyes drifted toward the man sitting behind a large desk at the front of the room. His face was long and had a few wrinkles. Shaggy brown hair covered his head and matched his suit, which looked as if it had just been dry-cleaned. His hands were folded in front of him on the desk as he fixed each student with a cold, angry expression.

Is that really our teacher? Mason asked.

Sadly, yes, said Claire.

Josh cringed. Looks like we’re in for a bad time.

Mason and Claire nodded in agreement.

The man yelled at everyone to be quiet as soon as the bell rang. The room became as silent as a graveyard. His voice was harsh when he spoke, and he had a bit of an accent that made him seem colder. My name is Mr. Cromwell. I am your teacher this year, so I expect every one of you to listen attentively and speak only when called upon. He looked at Mason.

Mason squirmed beneath the man’s gaze. He turned his face away but was unable to escape.

Mr. Cromwell surveyed the rest of the class as if to determine their worth. Complete every assignment I give you and study well, and we will have no problems. I will take attendance, and then we shall begin…

Mr. Cromwell called out their names. Each child answered with a note of fear in their voice. Mason remembered having at least one or two students in his class who tested the teacher to see what they could get away with, but no one did it this time. He didn’t think they ever would. Once everyone was accounted for, Mr. Cromwell collected their summer assignments and jumped right into the lesson. He breezed through what they learned over the summer (learned, because no one really understood what they were supposed to be learning) and went straight into new topics. He started by drawing an x and a line with dots between numbers on the board and told them to multiply or divide those numbers. The homework had them do this too, but almost everyone seemed confused. Mason was somewhat lost, especially with the bigger numbers, and all that thinking made his head hurt. Miss Rosemary taught them adding and subtracting last year, but those equations were not as complex.

Beside him, Claire scribbled furiously on her notebook. Meanwhile, Josh slouched in his chair looking like a dead fish. Mr. Cromwell yelled at him for it, but Josh was startled only for a second, then he continued to stare dully at the ceiling. Mason glanced over Claire’s shoulder to see if she knew what he was talking about. Mr. Cromwell slammed a hand on his desk and yelled at Mason to pay attention. He stared at Mr. Cromwell for the rest of the time, afraid to even blink.

Over the next few hours, their teacher switched from math to English to science, but none of it got any easier. Words like preposition and protagonist were thrown about as if they were something everyone should know about. He said that plants were green because of chloro-something or other, but Mason had seen plants that were yellow and red and all kinds of other colors. Mr. Cromwell talked about many things Mason didn’t know, some of which seemed to have little to do with their summer assignments.

It was very exhausting, so everyone breathed a sigh of relief when it was finally time for lunch. They hurried to the cafeteria where some of the other classes were and sat with their friends. A lot of them packed their lunches, because they wanted nothing to do with the school’s microwaved meals that tasted like burnt rubber. Mason opened his brown bag and took out the usual fare: a peanut butter sandwich with chips. It wasn’t much, but Josh and Claire were willing to trade with him. He was always amazed that they would give up their cookies for a measly bag of potato chips.

Claire’s eyes lit up when she saw his food. Ooh! Are those Doritos? Can I have them?

Mason gave her a dubious look. Whaddya have?

Let me see… She made a show of searching her lunchbox until she touched something crinkly. She scrutinized her wares, then looked at Mason. I have some animal crackers, an apple, and chocolate pudding.

Josh rolled his eyes. Oh, please. I have jerky, a can of beans, and a bag of marshmallows.

What kind of stuff is your dad feeding you? Claire exclaimed.

Only the best, Josh said while giving her a smug look. He turned to Mason. So what’ll it be?

Mason’s gaze flickered between his friends and their snacks. Finally, he said, I’d like the pudding, please.

Dang it, man! cried Josh. I thought we were buddies!

Sorry, but my sandwich is kind of dry…

And the pudding would make a good dipping sauce! Good on ya, pal! Josh elbowed Mason.

Claire smirked. Not a bad idea, she mumbled as she gave Mason the pudding and a plastic spoon.

Children chattered around them while they ate. The sound echoed throughout the room, but Mason found it soothing—like cicadas that whispered through the forest. Smells of various foods comingled and mixed into something indefinable but not unpleasant. Mason enjoyed his chocolate-dipped sandwich amid that atmosphere, and the presence of his two friends only made it better.

So what do ya think that guy’s deal is? Josh asked.

You mean our teacher? said Claire.

Yeah. He was all ‘blah blah this’ and ‘blah blah blah that.’ He didn’t do games or ‘nuthin.

"We are in second grade, Claire pointed out. They can’t let us play games forever."

But I thought they’d wait till fourth grade to be boring, Josh mumbled.

It’s not just that, said Mason. That guy is pretty mean.

Yeah, Claire agreed. He scares me.

He made my brain explode!

Josh, you weren’t even paying attention! Claire replied.

That’s because it really would’ve blown up if I did! Josh said around a mouthful of beans.

"I think you will blow up if you keep eating those beans," Claire commented.

Mason giggled as he tried to imagine that.

No, Josh said. The farts just mean my tummy’s happy.

Claire scowled. You are so gross! Can we please talk about something else?

Mason obliged. I don’t like the way Mr. Cromwell looked at me.

What do you mean? Claire glanced at him.

He took another bite of his sandwich and swallowed hard. It stuck to the back of his throat, so he couldn’t speak until he drank some water. It’s like the way Murphy looks at stray cats.

Josh winced. Ooh, that’s bad! He must have it out for you then.

Why would he? Claire asked. He just met all of us today.

Maybe he senses something, Josh suggested.

Like what? Mason wondered.

Josh shrugged. Dunno. Probably that you’re the coolest kid in school.

The two boys fist-bumped. Claire just rolled her eyes. She said, You don’t think they told him about Mason’s—

Probably.

Josh didn’t need to let her finish. They all knew what she was talking about. He said, Anyway, don’t let him get to you, Mason. We’ll always have your back.

Mason smiled. Thanks.

Before they knew it, the bell rang, and it was time to return to class.

Darn! Josh exclaimed. I didn’t even get to use the bathroom yet!

You might as well stay there, said Claire, after all those beans…

Don’t tempt me. Dad said he’d get me a Happy Meal later if I was good.

Claire started. Lucky! All my parents told me was have a nice day and do all your homework.

Mason thought of his mom. She never had to tell him to do well at school, because he always did it anyway—he was her smart little boy. He wondered if she was going to make anything special for him tonight. She did that sometimes, but most of what they ate was takeout or quick meals. Mason didn’t mind the food—it was good, and he knew she was very busy. Still, the food tasted better when it was fresh.

The classroom seemed to close in on him as he returned to his seat. His peers surrounded him, but he felt Mr. Cromwell’s gaze pierce him through the crowd of children. Mason’s heart skipped a beat. He wanted to go home. He wanted to run out the door and never return. Yet he was glued to his seat by some invisible force and had no choice but to listen as Mr. Cromwell silenced his students and continued teaching. Mason glanced at the clock on the wall. It was still early afternoon. No matter how much he willed it, the hour hand would not move. He buried his hands in his face. It was going to be a long first day.

Chapter 4

So how’d it go? Mr. Carmichael asked on the ride home.

Terrible, Josh muttered. The teacher’s a real stick in the mud, and he was talkin’ ‘bout lots of things that didn’t make sense.

Mr. Carmichael said, "Well, it was only the first day. Ya gotta give ‘im a chance. School was rough for me too, ya know. They dumped a ton of information on me, and I gave up. No one cared neither, but I care, so ya better not make the same mistake. Work hard and do well, and they’ll give ya a good job with good pay. You can still have yer fun now, but you goof off too much and it’ll bite you in the butt later.

If yer so stuck on this stuff, ya oughta ask yer teacher to help ya. I’d love to help too, but I doubt I’ll get much of it myself. Same for you, Mason. Mr. Carmichael gave them a toothy grin from the rearview mirror.

Recess wasn’t so bad, I guess, Mason said after a pause.