Ms. Laura Clayton is in her second year of teaching. She is perpetually exhausted and overworked. She tells herself she loves her job, but it’s hard when she faces her difficult sixth graders after lunch during her energy lull. She was never prepared for the demands of classroom teaching. She puts emphasis on writing in her classes—a skill she believes is very important. As Natalie’s teacher, Ms. Clayton has noticed Natalie’s talent for writing. 

During Ms. Clayton’s break period, Natalie and Zoe enter her classroom. Zoe does most of the talking while Natalie looks on quietly. Zoe explains that she and Natalie want to form a writing club. They want Ms. Clayton to be their advisor. Ms. Clayton is receptive to the idea because she knows Natalie’s writing is strong. 

Ms. Clayton asks if the club will be open to all grades, but Zoe clarifies that it would just be Zoe, Natalie, and Ms. Clayton. Zoe explains that it’s more like a publishing club. She tells Ms. Clayton about Natalie’s novel and how they want to get it published. Ms. Clayton grows more perplexed as Zoe talks, but she goes along with the idea. She is about to turn the girls away when Zoe hands her a copy of Natalie’s work.