"I know you all can't stand essays; I don't know many freshmen who do. Next week, we will begin the research aspect of writing, in preparation for your research papers."

A few seconds later, the clock on the wall ticked over to nine o'clock. It was like a herd of wildebeests trying to escape the end of the world as everyone stood and rushed out of the room. I shook my head and slid off the desk, turning back to gather the latest stack of papers and put them in my briefcase.

"Mr. Saunders?"

The address made me turn around and I was met with a soft, dark brown gaze of one of my star students. I smiled and leaned back against the desk.

"Yes, Liang. How can I help you?"

The young man seemed nervous and looked down at the gray tiled floor. "I was wanting to know if maybe you could help me with my research paper topic."

"Certainly. Let me just finish gathering things up here, and then we can head into my office."

He nodded and I turned to close my roll book and toss it into the briefcase. A few minutes later, we were settling down in my office. He sat down on the tattered gray couch, tossing ...