BLAIR: If you say so. But maybe you can get other students to go with you? Anyone Jewish at your school? There’s no way he could let this assignment stand if he has to justify their murders.

LOGAN: (shakes head) No, I don’t think so. One sec. (gets last year’s yearbook from her bookshelf, flips through it) If there are any Jewish students, I wouldn’t know. Last year, we had six hundred students and the only POC were two junior exchange students from Japan. Our school is pretty much all white-bread. (turns to the pages with clubs) We don’t have an LGBTQIAP+ club, either. Compared to Milwaukee and your school, there’s hardly any diversity here. Other than Cade and me, I highly doubt any students or parents would storm our principal’s office because of this assignment. (pauses) Any of your neighbors hanging Confederate flags from their porches?

BLAIR: You’re kidding?

LOGAN: No. On my drive to school, I pass at least four homes with those flags, and the last time I was on Main Street, the resale shop had one in its display window.

BLAIR: I repeat, are you kidding me? Logan. That’s—I don’t even know what to say. Seriously, I can’t imagine being surrounded by that kind of hate. At my school, some Muslim students wear hijabs and some Jewish students wear kippahs. No one blinks an eye. I walk down our hallways and every day I see interracial couples holding hands. Same with girls and girls and boys with boys and, at least with my friends, no one thinks twice about it. Glenslope has problems, but not your problems. I’m worried about you. If you and Cade are going to take on your teacher, you need a plan.

LOGAN: We have one. We’re going to meet with Mr. Bartley before school and present him with a list of reasons why he needs to cancel this assignment.

BLAIR: (turns the key in her ignition, starting the engine to heat up her car) But, didn’t you once tell me that Cade doesn’t always come to school on time?

LOGAN: So?

BLAIR: Do you have a backup plan?

LOGAN: I don’t need one. He promised, so he’ll be there. And you know Cade never promises, because—

BLAIR: —the inn always comes first. That’s why I asked if you have a backup plan. Even with his promise, things come up and I don’t want you talking to your teacher alone. Why don’t you have your dad go with you?

LOGAN: I haven’t told him about the assignment, yet. Besides, would you want your mom marching into school to talk to your teacher?

BLAIR: Point taken. Still, with everything you just told me, favorite teacher or not, why would Mr. Bartley listen to just you?

LOGAN: (sighs) You’re right. I’ll figure it out.