The second week of November arrives with a cold rain. As the remaining leaves fall to the ground, they carry with them a sense of change. The turning point of fall and winter excites the students of Lotusville High. After fall break arrives, then that means a larger recess is coming. Crash is uncertain. He sits in history class with his eyes glued to the window.

Steady raindrops hit the glass and splatter. Although the voices have subsided some—Crash feels as though something is ...