But right now, I’m happy. It’s sunny and warm and the air smells good. We’re going back to the park where Baby is. Mama is watching Gabby and her brothers so Miss Alvarez can interview for jobs today. I’ve got some scrambled egg and toast wrapped up in a napkin for Baby.

We pass the pole with the flyer about the Firefly Girls meeting. I stop and look at it again. The meeting was last night. In the daylight I can see the girls in the photo better. They look so happy and excited, the way I always felt in my troop back home. I do a quick calculation in my head. They’ll be selling gourmet brownies soon. It’s my favorite time, which makes me feel pretty sad. But then, to perk myself up, I promise as soon as we’re in a real home, I’ll find a Firefly Girls troop to join.

We cross to the park. Dylan and Ricky whoop and holler. “Race you to the monkey bars!” Luke tries his best to keep up.

Mama smiles for the second time. I smile too. She takes my hand and squeezes it three times, our I-love-you code. It’s going to be a good day.

Mama sits on a bench by the monkey bars, pushes up the sleeves on her shirt, and tips her face up to the sun. She hums a little tune under her breath.

The sun is so warm on my back, I can’t imagine it ever snowing again.

“Let’s go look for leaves,” Gabby says.

“What for?” I ask, looking over at the bathroom. I want so much to see Baby.

“I told the librarian I’d bring her some for a craft she’s doing in her story time tomorrow.” Gabby holds up a plastic grocery bag.

I sigh. “Okay, but I got something I need to do first.”

“Mama,” I say, “me and Gabby are going to look for leaves.”

“Gabby and I,” Mama corrects. “And don’t go too far. Stay where I can see you.” She closes her eyes again.

I motion for Gabby to follow me over to the bathroom.

Gabby laughs. “You drank too much orange juice this morning?”

“Ha ha,” I say. “You’ll see.”

We trot across the grass, leaves crunching under out feet. What if Baby’s not there anymore? My heart speeds up and so do my feet.

“Jeez, Piper, you must be about to wet your pants,” Gabby says, trying to keep up.

I skid to a stop and peer into the dark corner. My heart drops. At first I don’t see him or the duffel bag. Did somebody take them or did the old woman, Jewel, come back?