Jan. Week 3: Friday Morning: Leah Rejects Mr. Howard's Offer (Tenure: -20, Luck: +15)

Leah flashed her most artificial smile.

"Actually, Mr. Howard, I've got this absolutely fascinating stack of senior essays on The Great Depression waiting for me. You know how they are—twenty-three different ways to misspell 'symbolism' and not a single original thought between them." She adjusted her bag on her shoulder with exaggerated cheerfulness. "So unless you're offering to grade them for me, I'm afraid your... quick favor... will have to wait for someone with fewer comma splices to correct."

Without waiting for his response, she turned on her heel and strode toward her classroom, muttering just loud enough for him to hear:

"Amazing how administrative emergencies always seem to involve my knees on your floor."