Steven's short story made an allusion to the famed tale of The Wizard of Oz.
The mirage appeared to be water on the hot expanse of sand, but unfortunately for the desert traveler, it was just an illusion.
"By asking the teacher if she's going to collect the homework today when people still haven't finished it, you've jeopardized the grades of at least four people!" Brian said angrily.
The board of education eventually concurred by a slight majority.
The antiquated (think "antique") grandfather clock looked like a step back in time.