"I wish I'd get an A on that science test I have to take today," Jon said. The stone glowed. Part of him didn't want to make that wish, because it almost felt like cheating, but if he could get an A on the test, he'd pass the class for sure. And he didn't want to take the class over again.
He grabbed his school bag and went downstairs. When he passed the kitchen on his way to the front door, his mom stopped him.
"Jon, you should eat something. Why are you in such a hurry anyway? School doesn't start for another hour."
"I'm gonna meet Karyn at her house," Jon said, reaching for the door.
"Who?" his mom asked.
Jon stopped in his tracks and slowly turned around. "What do you mean who? My friend ... Karyn."
"Jon, I know all your friends and I don't know anyone named Karyn." She paused for a moment. "Is she ... are you two ... dating?"
"What? No. It's not like that. We're just friends."
"So, she's new in town?" she asked.
What was going on here? How could Jon's mom not know who Karyn was? She had been coming over to his house since grade school. She was practically part of the family.
Obviously, whatever was happening had something to do with the stone. But he never wished that his mom would forget his best friend and he didn't think that his science test wish could cause the same thing. No, something else was going on, but what?
Jon left the house, leaving his very confused mother behind, and headed to Karyn's house.
