1X03 – Prickly's New Deal
Despite the common belief among the Third Street kids, recess was not a happy time for everyone. For the few school officials who still had to work during recess, and who unlike Menlo had not learned to "enjoy" working indoors, the shouts of joy from the children outside made it difficult to carry out their duties.
And today, Principal Prickly was facing a rather thorny topic.
«Why doesn't the annual school budget audit come only once a year?» Prickly grumbled, flipping through the papers in front of him «After all, this is nothing more than a simple check-up on the situation of the budget and if we're going over the scheduled expense limit. And since we are known to be responsible with our spending, we can say...»
Suddenly, Prickly stopped talking, as he noticed something odd. He immediately focused on the guilty paper and started to read it carefully. And in a few seconds, he turned cold sweating, as a horrific realization hit him like a full-speed school bus in the face.
His silence lasted one second, two seconds, five seconds, and up to half a minute. And then, no more.
«Miss Lemon!» Prickly yelled at full lungs.
Meanwhile, unaware of what was happening in the principal office, the Gang was currently enjoying their free time with a kickball game, but this time, with an interesting addition.
«Vicky! » Spinelli said a little amused «You are supposed to grab the ball, not hide from it! If you do not block the ball, you automatically lose!»
«But it is fast and scary! » the girl replied «And if it hits me and I fall, I get all dirty!»
«That's the point!» Vince laughed «No game is fun unless you get dirty!»
Vicky murmured quietly. While she actively wanted to spend more time with TJ and his friends, she was not very used to games involving fast-moving balls and high chances of getting dirty.
«Ok, I'll try again. Hit me, Spinelli!»
Never could words have been more wrong to say. As soon as Spinelli hit the ball again, with her trademark kick of her that all the playground openly envied and secretly admired, Vicky tried to force herself to withstand the ball and stop it.
For a few seconds.
«No!» she cried, moving her arms hoping to shoo the incoming ball. But instead, her hands, moving without knowledge of her eyes nor her brain, managed to capture the ball, who then stood in her hands, unmoving.
«You did it, Vicky!» Mickey cheered «You took the ball!»
«I...what?» Vicky said, not realizing yet about it. Then, she looked forward again, and she saw the ball on her grip «Oh!»
«Looks like this is a good start» Spinelli said «Now, let's try this again; but this time-»
Nevertheless, before Spinelli could be able to say anything more, the whistle of Miss Finster resounded all over the playground, quickly gaining the attention of all the kids involved.
«Emergency reunion meeting! All students to be in front of the school entrance within five minutes!»
Thought frustrated of their time being interrupted, the kids all over the playground moved toward the entrance and quietly gathered, Miss Finster and Miss Lemon on both side of the door.
«Ashley V!» Ashley A., the leader and spokesperson of the Ashley, asked, «What's going on? Why are we having an assemble with so little warning?»
«I have no idea, Ashley A.» Vicky replied «We were too enjoying our free time when this happened.»
«All student, silent!» Miss Finster yelled «Principal Prickly, will now speak!»
True to her words, the door opened, and Principal Prickly appeared. TJ was quickly to note that, under his usual expression of stern control, there was a very nervous streak.
«Attention, students» he said «It is my sad duty to report that during the school's usual annual budget audit, it was revealed that the school has already used up 90% of its annual budget, which in theory was supposed to last until the end of the school year, and instead is already almost gone. Unfortunately, there is no way to replenish the budget spent so far: none of the alumni I contacted by phone offered to make enough donations to replenish the lost budget. Therefore our only solution is to make a new budget plan, and use or remaining money judiciously, to make them last till the end of the school year!»
«Uh, what does that mean?» Vince asked.
«Principal Prickly means that the school now have to save more money and spend less than usual, in order to don't run over the budget.»
«Well, it does not look like a bad thing»
«Gus» Vicky replied, understanding what the meaning under the principal words was «The school budget is what it usually pay for our lunches, as well as the school's classes trips and the inter-lessons events. If they have to save more money than usual, it means such things will be likely threatened!»
«Uh, no!» Mickey said, his face full of shock.
«Thus, from today on, this school will adjust to a new operative budget that will take care of the remaining resources. For now, It is all.»
While she did not say anything, Ashley A. suddenly felt a cold sweat run down her back. She had a very bad feeling about what was going to happen…
Less than an hour later, every student of the school learned about the real meaning of Prickly's words, as when the bell announced lunch, and everyone made their way to the cafeteria, they found that the dishes that awaited them were...far less appetizing than they had hoped for.
«What is it this thing?» Vince said, looking un-appetent in the face of the plate full of lumpy yellow slop, as un-pretty in appearance as it is lacking in flavor and texture «It has no taste!»
«The lunch lady said it should be creamed corn» Gus replied, the only one so far being able to keep eating it «They said that, with the new budget assigned to them, this is the only thing they can afford. Still not very tasteful, in my opinion.»
«But you're still eating it» Spinelli replied, «I took just one sip, and I can't go further!»
«I'm used to military rations» Gus admitted, «Thought even a five-months-old expired can of raw meat would look delicious compared to this thing.»
T.J. looked around and quickly realized that Gus's words were true, as no one of the other students looked very enthusiastic about their current food. Some of there were able, with determination, to eat a few spoons of the slob, but the majority looked like that, in place of eating such a thing, they would have preferred to let themselves to starve to death.
Unless, of course, they already had their homemade brought lunch bag with them.
Cornchip girl was sitting in her usual place, surrounded by other students who were hoping to convince her to "share" with them some of her lunch, while in one of the corners of the cafeteria, Hustler Kid was bargaining some leftover food from previous days (not good as it was then, of course, but still better than today's meal) for whatever his clients could afford to.
So far, only one table on the whole cafeteria was eating and behaving like they usually did.
«It looks like our stylish habit to bring home-prepared food from home bearded good fruit Ashley A.» said Ashley B. «In the end, the current budget crisis is not hindering on us.»
«That just proves what we have always known, Ashley B.» Ashley A. replied, taking another bite from her sandwich «Even in dire straits, the rich can always thrive.»
Vicky, alias Ashley V., said nothing, simply focusing on her meal. Sure, she did not like it very much when her same lifestyle friends said such things, but she had to admit that being able to eat what she wanted, while otherwise you would have been forced to eat something that you would have never gone close if you could, was quite a luxury that she liked to enjoy.
«Bringing food from home, huh, Vicky?» a female voice said behind her, making Vicky turn around and see Spinelli's face.
«Indeed.» Vicky smiled «Sometimes is a bother to be able to have to carry your own food from home, but it guarantees you always have something you enjoy for a meal.»
«And you are eating…sushi?»
«I like the tuna nigiri.» Vicky smirked.
«Uh-hum!» Ashley Q. said, faking blocking a cough «Ashley V., could you please keep your interactions with Spinelli separated from us? We had an agreement, remember: sometimes you are her friend, sometime you are ours.»
«Actually, I would like to make a suggestion: Ashley S., would you like to join the table of the Ashleys just for today?»
The Ashleys' eyes jerked up, and Spinelli gained a surprised look, while some of the closest kids turned around, hearing the never-heard-before sentence.
«What?»
«She, with us?»
«I, with them?»
«Girls, please calm down!» Ashley A said, raising on her feet «Ashley V, I am often open to whatever suggestion you like to do, but, aren't you running a little too much? I mean, what could possibly…?»
«Ashley Code, Chapter 13, Section Twenty-six, Paragraph 2, Codicil thirty-three,» Vicky said in an obsequious, almost official tone, «If an Ashley is in trouble, all Ashleys agree to help and assist her in whatever trouble she may find herself in, no matter how long or in what situation, as long as the struggling Ashley herself can prove that she is no longer in trouble. Ashley S. might have a …different lifestyle from us, but she's still an Ashley by name and by heart, and thus she's totally entitled to receive our help, as the rules of the club say.»
That sentence silenced almost everyone, Spinelli glancing at Vicky, the Ashleys at her, and Spinelli, the kids around looking all over them. Then, instantly, Ashley Q. said:
«She's right. Ashley S., while we still have our skirmish, is un-polite to refuse our help to a fellow Ashley. I vote for Ashley V.'s suggestion.»
«And I do too.» Ashley T. added.
Ashley A. and Ashley B. looked at each other for a few seconds, before turning to face Spinelli «Very well. Ashley S., due to the current situation, we invite you to join our table for the time being. Of course, you are aware that this does not change the things among us.»
«That's for sure!» Spinelli replied, her angry expression contrasting Ashley A's smug smile.
«Very well. Now, Ashley S., if you want to join us, you should at least greet us like a proper Ashley…»
«Forget it!» she said «I'm not Ashley S., and if you expect me to…» but her words drown down as her nose suddenly felt a nice, delicious smell coming from one of Ashley V's closed food storages.
«W-what is…»
«Eel kabayaki" Vicky smiled, anticipating the question "One of my favorite Japanese-derived dishes, they make me some for the days when I want them. Too bad that they always make me a little too much: if only there were a fellow Ashley friend I could share them, with to…»
Spinelli summoned all her willpower, but even so, a powerful stomach growl confirmed that she wanted something she could it. What was going to be stronger: her will, or her stomach?
«…just once.» she finally said, accepting defeat «And you better never call me like that never again after today.»
«Sure thing, Ashley S.» Vicky, no, Ashley V said «Help yourself.»
On the opposite side of the table, meanwhile, Ashley A looked as if Ashley V. had become Spinelli's tamer. One part of her was kind of amused that their newest addiction could use her own food supply to force their own worst enemy to agree on something.
But that was not all.
Ashley A. kept watching as Ashley V. and Ashley S. managed to cooperate, slowly but steadily the other Ashleys of the group starting to interact with her. And while she kept having her rude, thought attitude, Ashley A. realized that Ashley V. had managed to gain much more than even her assumed.
Because she was now sure that, under all of her layers of toughness, Ashley S. was quite similar to them.
«Why we must use these worn-out balls when we still have the new ones?» TJ asked, looking baffled at Miss Finster.
«Prickly's order» she sternly replied «The balls' furniture has been stopped completely; for this reason, you have to make the ones we already have last for the pre-required time. Just to inform you, these already used balls must last at least three weeks from today!»
Gus moved toward the balls, and carefully picked one. Judging from the shape of it changing as he took it, he could be generous to say these balls could last three hours at most.
«Also, from now on, the playground furniture cannot be used by too many students every day, to reduce the attrition and the consequent consummation that would require maintenance. Thus, from this moment on, New Rusty can be used every recess only for…»
TJ and the other kids listened horrified: the number of kids allowed on every game on the playground was extremely low so barely a class filled it completely. Way much lower than the number of kids who used them every recess on.
«But that's absurd» Vince replied «And how we are supposed to know who will get to use them?»
«For that reason, we are preparing the lists,» Miss Finster said, taking out a long snippet of paper «The permission to use every playground furniture will be allowed to every kid in a circular rotation system, to make sure that everyone will be able to use it….once a month.»
Once a month? The kids gasped. That could not be real.
«Of course, to avoid any kids breaking the rotation system and going up whenever is not the right turn, Randall will keep you under watch to make sure everyone behaves as he should…»
The kids grimaced, as Randall smiled evilly. There was a reason why nobody liked him, and the reason was that he would sell them anytime for his own gain.
«That can't be true!»
It was quickly apparent that the sentiment of refusal of the situation was quietly widespread. And not among the common playground players too.
«That's scandalous!» Vicky groaned «And not in a positive way!»
«I believe we should agree,» Ashley Q said «The new leading is stripping the playground of all the things that made it so magical and beautiful.»
«These are tough times» Ashley A. replied «However, we are safe.»
«What do you mean, Ashley?» Ashley T asked.
«It's simple Ashley. The new measures are for the playground kids, but we can retreat to our club and simply forget what is happening…»
«Are you sure?» Ashley V. replied, clearly nervous "The way the air is blowing now, it looks like we're all going to be involved in it..."
"Don't talk nonsense Ashley: rich people should never be involved in the affairs of commoners. Come on, let's go back to our club."
The five Ashleys set out, only one (Ashley V.) unsure of what they would find upon arrival. And in some blatant, ridiculous stunt that only a writer of non-canonical stories could conceive, when they came in sight of their club they discovered that Vicky's fears had far more truth than they had feared.
"Miss Lemon," said Ashley A. upon seeing the elderly woman in front of their club, "What brings you here?"
"I am here to inform you of the new arrangements for your club, relative to the new economic policy."
"New provisions?" asked Ashley B in a tone of bewilderment "Our club has never had to submit to provisions defined by the principal."
"As of now, yes," replied Miss Lemon sharply, "I'm sorry, but the new economic situation requires tight controls on all possible expenditures until the situation is remedied."
The Ashleys quickly focused on the slip of paper Miss Lemon had given them before leaving. It did not vo0ll many lines before their mild dismay turned to shock, and then to panic.
"New hot water consumption standard?" said Ashley T. in horror "With this, we can barely afford a shower a day."
"And what is this self-cleaning order?" added Ashley Q, even more indignant "Now we have to keep our club clean ourselves?"
"No energy consumption outside of these times? That would mean drastic censorship of all our favorite TV programs!"
The Ashleys quickly became agitated and belligerent as they realized that the new situation closely involved them as well. Vicky stepped forward, and spoke in a solemn voice:
"To reduce food expenditures," she said, reading word for word, "All supplies of non-essential goods judged to be luxury goods, including soft drinks and both iced and traditional tea, are to be considered suspended. Students shall also not be allowed to use their own supplies for observation of the law..."
An eerie silence fell over the group. The Ashleys stood still and silent as their brains processed the information.
"No more hot tubs?"
"No more cable television?"
"No more maid service?"
"No more tea?"
Then, suddenly, a cry full of anger and indignation emerged simultaneously from five different throats.
"SCANDALOUS!" resounded the Ashleys' war cry, a fausty harbinger of the war that was looming.
The new economic policy of the school quickly became unpopular, both in the classroom and during recess.
«Miss Grotke,» said Gretchen, In a tone of voice that betrayed his despondency, «I'm afraid there's a problem.»
«What kind of problem Gretchen?»
«This book does not mention the moon landing anywhere,» she replied, «nor does it mention any other events that took place in the years after 1955.»
«That is obvious,» replied the teacher, «it is a standard textbook, printed in 1955.»
«But it's falling apart!» said Spinelli looking worriedly at the pages of the book that were peeling away from each other at the first breath of air «Besides, how can we follow the lessons if the textbooks themselves don't talk about the established topics?»
«Unfortunately, as you are well aware, the new school economic plan does not allow us supplies of newer books,» replied Miss Grotke, while trying to maintain her typical optimism «But you can study together with your desk mates and share your respective information.»
«Miss Grotke, we all have obsolete and crumbling copies,» Vicky replied in a breath, dashing hopes.
«Oh well, that means we'll have to do it the old-fashioned way: get a notepad and transcribe what I say.»
The full class sighed, seeing the big new job that would fall to them…
«Does the drinking fountain have new hours of use? What does that mean?» asked Mickey in bewilderment.
«Sorry kid,» replied janitor Hank, «new economic policy of the principal. As of today, drinking fountains, both inside the school and outside, have operating hours: outside these hours, they don't work.»
«And when would those hours be?»
«Read for yourself,» the janitor said, pointing to a plaque posted just above the drinking fountain.
«Free drinking hours: midnight to seven, noon to one, six to nine?» Mickey read, horrified «But no student can use them, during such hours!»
«I know that perfectly well, but that's the way they decided,» Hank nodded, «I think that, apparently, the same principle now applies to bathrooms.»
«What?» said Mickey in horror, along with all the students who were within earshot.
«As of now, students are asked to bring their own toilet paper from home, because the school does not intend to make additional purchases of expensive matches that run out immediately.»
«But, the bathrooms are still adequately stocked for now?» Mickey asked, hoping for a positive answer in that sense.
«No,» replied Hank laconically.
«NO!» yelled Gelman's voice in a tone of horror, from the nearby bathroom.
«Here's someone who was late to notice...»
«Why are the library books now welded to the shelves with a chain?» asked Library Kid, a note of terror on her face.
«Principal Prickley's orders,» replied Miss Finster categorically, «Since we cannot allow ourselves any damage to the library books, from now on each volume must be secured to its reference shelf with chain and padlock.»
«But how can one borrow a book now?»
«You can't. The chains can neither be loosened nor unlocked: the books can only be checked out on the spot.»
«But the chains are too short!» replied the girl, making to pick up a book to show the meaning of her own words «It is impossible to carry a book to the table, or even to a chair below. You can practically only read it standing up!»
«The principal claims that such exercise is beneficial to health...»
«Come on Vince, kick harder!»
«I'd gladly do it if I could!» retorted the boy angrily, «But none of these balls are in any condition to be kicked, or even rolled!»
The boys looked at the balls they had on hand and realized that Vince was completely right. None of them were fully inflated, or even half inflated: most were empty, or nearly so, and those put in the best condition had a stretch and bounce factor equal to that of a T-shirt rolled up on itself. And because of this, it was effectively impossible to have a game without being forced to interrupt it every few minutes.
«Remind me why we have to play with these things?» asked one boy, «because we can't have bouncy, inflated balls like we used to?»
«Because Principal Prickly said they cost too much,» sentenced another as if to state the obvious, «And that these balls have to last for at least four more months.»
«And then we'll get more new balls?»
«No, just balls less swollen...by half...»
As you can well see and imagine, soon the situation and feeling among the students became intolerable. So, on King Bob's orders, a meeting of all the principal students and representatives of the playground was called.
«This cannot go on!» said King Bob, taking care that no one could hear him; away from prying eyes and ears «This is unacceptable!»
«I can no longer swing on the swing for more than five minutes every day to reduce the wear and tear on the bar,» Swinger Girl said, her hands on her pilot's helmet.
«We can't dig anymore, » the Diggers echoed her, «According to Principal Prickly, our excavation work causes vibrations that affect the school building, accelerating its restoration needs!»
«Brandon has been censored!» sang the now unfortunate less-singing boy «To save uvulas and ears!»
«This new climate is a disadvantage to my business!» intervened the Hustler Kid «Because of the cost-saving policy, it is impossible for me to get anything into to trade!»
«We must do something to put an end to this!» was the chorus.
«Guys, guys!» intervened TJ, his friends and comrades behind him, taking the floor «I agree with you: we must do something, and we must do it soon. But the question we have to ask ourselves is: what can we do?»
«On this point, we would have some ideas,» a voice intervened.
Those present turned, fearful of some peepers, and saw the five Ashleys marching toward them, on their faces an expression of pure hatred and anger. Even Vicky was showing a rare, and quite disturbing facial grimace that so far only Randall had seen up close.
«Ashley, what are you doing here?» asked King Bob doubtfully, «This matter does not concern you!»
«Oh, it concerns us, it concerns us in every way!» thundered Ashley A, assuming her classic leader's tone «We too have been affected by these unfair sanctions!»
«Wow» said Gus under his breath.
«Gus, what's going on?» asked Spinelli.
«When sanctions and economic restrictions affect even the wealthiest classes, it means the situation is serious!»
«Geez, you're right!»
«What do you want?» asked TJ in an intervening tone.
«We know you want to organize to fight these abuses!» intervened Ashley Q. «And we want to cooperate. Consider this...a temporary alliance until we achieve our goal!»
King Bob smiled «I almost can't believe that, for once, the entire playground agrees on the same thing!»
Never could words prove more inaccurate and mocking: just as he said those words, everyone who was there felt a strange bumping noise, and one garbage can, moved suspiciously.
«Hey, stop!» yelled TJ and King Bob, almost simultaneously.
The bin put (literally) its legs, and began to run, but it didn't get very far before the king's personal guards, two sturdy, athletic boys, blocked it and knocked it over, revealing who had been hiding inside.
«Randall!» said King Bob in an angry tone, «What were you doing in there?»
The question was rhetorical because everyone had already figured out what Randall was doing hiding in that bin, listening to their talk. But it was he himself who confirmed it a few moments later.
«I heard you!» said Randall as if to justify himself «You were conspiring against Principal Prickly, I'm going to tell this to Miss Finster!»
«Randall, really?» said TJ indignantly «Are you willing to betray us again? Don't tell me you like this situation!»
«Well, actually, no,» admitted Randall «I had to return all my gadgets, and now to take notes of things to report I have to use this half-worn pad and this pencil all ruined. But you were talking about conspiring against the principal...»
«To regain a better solution for all of us!» said TJ stepping forward «You wouldn't want us to go back to the way we were before?»
«Of course I would! Nevertheless, if I report you to Miss Finster, I may get my gadgets back. I...»
But Randall had not kept an eye on what was going on behind him, coming into contact with the five Ashleys, who were looking at him with angry frowns.
«Wha- Oh, hello girls, how-»
The Ashleys said nothing. Vicky, alone, reached out and took something from Randall's side.
«Huh, what's this?»
«My notebook! Give it back!»
«Is it yours?» the five Ashleys asked in unison.
«Yes, it's mine!»
«It's mine!» repeated the Ashleys, as Vicky ran around Randall, leaving him stunned.
«Now you are jinxed,» said Ashley A., a mocking smile on her face as she looked at him «Thus, you'll not be able to talk, and thus, you'll be unable to inform Miss Finster...until someone says your name. And I'm quite convinced no one here is very eager to give your voice back.»
Randall tried to speak, but he found himself unable to do so, as something was stopping his own vocal cords.
«You try to say something, huh, little spy?» King Bob said, mockingly.
Randall tried to speak again, and once more, strange sounds came out of him.
"Better you run before we decide the Ashleys have been … too kind!» said Spinelli, cracking her knuckles.
Randall realized that, with no voice to call Miss Finster to his help, and no place for him to hide, his only escape was now in the run. And so, he ran.
«But, what if he goes to Miss Finster to help, and she says his name, and thus he can talk again and expose us?» Gus said, still unsure of it «Wouldn't we be in bigger problems?»
«Don't worry, Gus» spoke Gretchen, as to reassure him «If my calculations are correct, and they are, Miss Finster is currently busy with her sandwich, and the janitor Hank told us that the back door is locked. Thus, we have more than enough time to plan and act, before Randall can come to inform her of what we are planning.»
«Very well,» said King Bob, reassuming his charismatic authority facade «Now, I hope someone of us has a good plan to get rid of this absurd economic policy…»
«Oh,» TJ and his friends said, exchanging an evil smirk with Vicky and the Ashleys «We do have one…»
«Miss Grotke,» said the principal moving nervously, «Where are the students? Recess has been over for a few minutes, they need to go back to class!»
«I have no idea, Principal Prickly,» she replied, «I was trying to put this old lesson book back together for the teacher: all the pages have come loose and mixed up, and since they're not even numbered...»
«Our economic situation does not allow us otherwise!» retorted Prickly «Miss Finster, call the boys back with your whistle.»
«Believe me, I would love to be able to do that» replied Miss Finster in her classic tone, «but at the moment, I can't do it. The whistle I usually use is broken, and you have told me that a replacement costs too much.»
«Then use your voice, won't you?»
«You expect me to be able to shout as loud as...»
«Listen to our shout: austerity sucks!» began to resound outside the voices of several children at once «Listen to our shout: austerity sucks!»
«What's going on out there?»
Prickly came storming out, followed by Miss Finster, Miss Lemon, and Miss Grotke, and was confronted by all the students of the school, gathered in a large procession, marching in front of the building and shouting loudly.
«Boys, what is the meaning of this? Get back to class now!»
«Not now, not ever,» replied TJ with a determined face, «until the school's new economic policy is changed, we will refuse to teach class!»
«But this is unheard of! Get back to your desks now!»
"No, he is right!» King Bob intervened, siding decisively with TJ «until this austerity policy you have imposed on us so draconian is changed or removed, neither TJ nor my subjects will obey you any further. And neither will I...»
«What?»
«Neither will we!» intervened the Ashleys, deploying to the front lines «This austerity...is not for us!»
«But this is ridiculous: the budget does not allow us...»
«Principal Prickly! Principal Prickly!» said a male voice, and a bespectacled boy emerged from the school.
«Menlo, what's going on? Didn't I tell you to find other possible expenses to eliminate?»
«That's what I've been trying to do, but while analyzing the budget, I discovered something that will be of great interest to you: we are not in crisis at all. In fact, we are very, VERY far from running out of our annual budget.»
«What do you mean? According to the data...»
«You simply misplaced the comma, Mr. Dean, and then subtracted from the wrong figure.»
Prickly paused for a second in disbelief, slowly turning away. The students looked at him incredulously, and gradually, angrier and angrier.
«Wait a minute!» said Spinelli lividly, «You're telling us that...»
«...this whole thing started because Prickly got a comma wrong?!» concluded King Bob.
«Uh-oh. What an awkward situation...it's funny isn't it?» said Prickly trying to shrug off his own embarrassment.
«Mr. Prickly, look around you,» said Vicky, «does this seem funny to you?»
And so the new economic policy of the school was quickly removed, and everyone from students to teacher to hank forgot about it, never speaking of it again. And to avoid new problems like that, Prickly, with the hidden help of Miss Finster, revised his math skills to be sure to not make such mistakes again.
But new events would happen soon…