As it turned out, Linda and Jon weren't able to use the stone for anything major again for nearly three weeks. Jon found the pressure of his upcoming finals eating away at his free time, and Linda didn't want to use the stone without him. Neither wanted him to take the easy path of using the stone to get good grades. Just after finals week, Jon was playing Halo when Linda came into Jon's room. "I have an idea for something to do with the stone!" she said as she sat down on Jon's bed.
Jon turned from his video game. "What's the idea?" he asked warily.
"Well," Linda answered, "your father is taking Mikey to Cub Scout camp all week, and Zoe is never here anyway, so you and I will be on our own from early Monday morning until late the next Sunday night. My idea will last that entire time."
"Ok," Jon replied, "but you still haven't told me what your idea is!"
Linda thought for a moment, then said, "If you really want me to, I'll tell you, but I really think it might be more fun if you wait until Monday to ask me. I know I surprised you and maybe even embarrassed you a little last time, but didn't you have fun?"
Jon knew that was true. In fact, the very fact that he had no idea what his Mom had planned was exciting to Jon. "All right," Jon relented, "here is the stone."
Jon's mom grinned and left the room. Moments later she returned, and handed it to Jon. "Monday will be interesting," she said.
