The week and a half following her doctor visit and the Fred Meyer fiascos, time traveled rapidly for Jordan. She knew the deadline for the story competition was approaching quickly and she spent essentially every free moment at home editing and re-editing her story on the desktop computer in her bedroom. Mr. Johns had offered a number of specific instructions and tips on how to improve her work before submission and Jordan had taken his advice to heart. The girl wanted to win.
According to the contest rules, entries had to be printed – double-spaced – in courier font – on single sided white paper – not stapled (but clipped) with a large spring-type paperclip that her mom had to specially pick up at Fred Meyer on another trip.