Jon picked up the reciever. "Mom?" he asked.
"Jon, is that you?"
"Yes, it's me. Damn stone," he answered.
"I'm sorry, honey. But speaking of which, I've found the stone! Somehow, it had gotten into my purse!"
"Really! Wow, that's a life saver." He paused. "When will you be home?"
"Not for another few days, I'm afraid."
He thought for a second. "Could you wish it back here for me please?"
There was silence on the other end for a few moments, and then his mom answered. "It doesn't seem to be working. Do you think it's broken?"
"I hope not," he muttered to himself. "No, mom. I think it's got a range limit so that it can't be sent this far."
"Oh. Well, I'll hold onto it until I can get home. I won't risk making any wishes, I've messed things up enough already." She was quiet for a couple seconds. "I've got to run, Jon, I'll be home as soon as I can. Say hi to Karyn for me!"
She hung up before he could beg her to return home immediately. Frustrated, Jon slammed the phone down, and then explained the situation to Karyn.
"So you're stuck like that until she gets back?" He nodded, and she frowned. "What if she's not back before Monday? What'll you do about school?"
That wasn't something Jon wanted to think about. Still, he'd think of something. "We'll cross the bridge when we get to it, Karyn. But anyhow, what are we going to do for now?"
