Mara picked it up. The paper was warm from being handled, but otherwise ordinary. She set her recorder, pulled the duck close and tried to coax a sound. The silence in the room felt like a thin sheet between her and something significant.

The education technology industry has become complacent. Most companies offer the same multiple-choice grind, wrapped in a slightly different user interface. The bucks that trend by prioritizing scarcity, community accountability, and hyper-personalized analytics.

**This story is an exclusive creation for duckquackprepcom, inspired by the domain's name and theme.

Mara asked, "Hole?"

On the other hand, excessive use of technology has been linked to a decline in face-to-face interactions and deep, meaningful relationships. When we spend more time interacting with our screens than with real people, we miss out on the nonverbal cues, emotional intimacy, and sense of belonging that come with in-person interactions. Moreover, the constant stream of information and notifications can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and disconnection.

On one hand, technology has made it easier for people to connect with each other, regardless of geographical distance. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and video conferencing tools have enabled us to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues who live far away. Technology has also enabled us to connect with people who share similar interests and passions, creating online communities and networks that transcend physical boundaries.

Mara hadn’t intended to go. She was married to facts, not fables. But curiosity is a patient animal; it waits until you sleep, then flaps its wings. The duck drawing wouldn’t leave her desk.