The bell buzzed and 19 noisy fifth-grade girls clamored to go home after a long school day. Only Penina seemed to walk in slow motion her mind awhirl with possibilities. An invention that will change my life for the better she mused nearly bumping into a tree on the way home. “Oh excuse me ” she murmured and the thick brown trunk stared back at her with a wrinkled all-knowing gaze. “Pass the meatballs please ” she asked her mother and her mother’s eyebrows arched in surprise as she lifted the pan of cheesy lasagna and passed it to Penina. “Thanks Ma ” Penina said bringing her plate to the sink. “I have a big assignment to do so I’ll see you later.”