They stand up when they see us without Gramps.

“Where is he?” Mom whispers, reaching out for Mama’s hand.

“We will find him,” Mama says firmly, snapping into action. “Noah, check the front yard. Sadie, you go out back. I’ll start calling the neighbors.”

Dewey runs outside with me. We check the shed. The gate is still latched. I even inspect the crumbling fairy fortress for any signs or clues he may have left me.

“Gramps?” I yell.

Nothing.

Inside, Moms are getting their coats and shoes on.

“Where are you going?” Noah asks, clearly not having had any luck in the front yard either.

“We’re going to drive around and look for him,” Mama explains. “He can’t have gotten far.”

Mom wipes her eyes and sniffles. “You two stay here in case he comes back. And keep your phones close,” she tells both Noah and me. They rush out the door, leaving us behind.

Gramps is missing. I have to do something. I can’t just stay here and wait. “Think,” I whisper. “Think, Sadie.”

The spot. I look at Dewey. The special spot.

“Oh my gosh, Dewey, you’re right!” I start putting on my sneakers and my coat—I don’t even bother to get changed out of the pajamas I’ve been wearing all day.

“Sadie, what do you think you’re doing?” Noah says, blocking the back door as I clip Dewey’s leash onto her collar. “Moms said to stay here.”

“But I think I know where he is,” I tell Noah. “There’s this spot in the woods that he really likes.”

“You know you’re not supposed to go out there by yourself.”

“I’ll take Dewey—I know exactly where I’m going, and I’ll be careful, and if I’m right, then I’ll be coming home with Gramps.” I wait for his response. “Trust me,” I add. “Please?”

He hesitates, weighing our options, of which we have few. Then he looks at Dewey, and finally sighs. “Okay, but I’m coming. And we have to hurry—it’s going to be getting dark soon.”

Armed with my coat, scarf, boots, and Dewey and Noah, we pass the clearing where Dewey and I first met, and I march ahead, clear on my mission. Farther along the trail, I close my eyes remembering the way Gramps was looking at all the trees along the path, and I smile, knowing that I’m going to run into him at any moment now.

“He’ll be there,” I assure Noah.