My head got even more floaty. I opened the screen door. Mrs. Spooner brushed past me. I could smell her perfume, like the spray can Gloria got once for our bathroom. And I could smell the food.

“Maisy, dear, can you take these? I thought the searchers might want a snack.” She put the plate on my arms. “But some of them are leaving already?”

The plate was heavy and dug into my skin.

“Let me,” Gloria said. She swooped the sandwiches away and went back to the kitchen.

Mrs. Spooner touched my arm. “How are you doing, Maisy?”

“Good,” I said.

She smiled again. “How’s your new doll? Jenny, was it?”

“Chicken got hungry and ate her body.”

“That’s too bad, sweetheart.”

“It doesn’t matter. She likes being Jenny the Head.” I didn’t tell Mrs. Spooner she was lost. Gloria told me I wasn’t good at looking after her.

“Can I get you a coffee or tea or anything?” Gloria was calling out from the kitchen again, and me and Mrs. Spooner went in.

“No, no. Nothing at all, dear.”

“Thank you so much for the sandwiches. Everyone’s being so kind.”

“Don’t even mention it, Gloria. I’ll help any way I can. I’ve been hoping for news?”

Gloria shook her head. “They’ve done two searches through the woods. Fine-toothed comb, the detective said. And not a single sign.” The back of her hand went over her mouth. I heard her sniff.

“I just can’t imagine what you’re going through. Rowan is such a sweet boy.”

“It’s all happening so fast. How can they be done in the woods already? He’s still in there somewhere. I know he is. Telly’s going back in. He’s not giving up.”

“Telly’s a fine man, isn’t he?”

Gloria’s face got red and twisty. I wished Mrs. Spooner would go back outside. She wasn’t helping at all. I was still angry at Rowan, but now it was a scared-angry. What if he broke his legs and was lost in some bushes? What if he fell and got his eyes poked out on some sticks and couldn’t find his way? What if Carl was not nice and read out horrible things on his deck of cards and tied Rowan up? What if Girl growled at Rowan and he was frightened and freezing and hungry for a tuna sandwich?

Then different thoughts snuck in and pinched me. What if Carl didn’t make him go? What if Rowan was happy now? What if he was eating lots of wieners and sleeping outside under the stars and snuggling up with Girl? What if he didn’t miss us at all?