the topic of the symposium challenge has changed this year. what had it been in years past, and what is it this year that so upsets lindsey

The contest that year is not to make a mousetrap—instead, the kids have to come up with how to commit the perfect murder. Artie wants to break the news to Lindsey before she reads the flier. He approaches her in the breakfast line. She tells him she does not want the little coffins he offered to make for the mice. He tells her the contest is different this year—it’s about murder. Samuel comes in and Lindsey asks him what is going on. Samuel confirms what Artie has told her. Lindsey says she is fine and leaves.