We’re doomed.

Abby?” Jonah asks. “How exactly are we getting out of here?”

I plop down next to Jonah on the bale of hay on the far side of the cage.

“I don’t know,” I moan.

I wish I were home. I can’t believe that just a few hours ago I wanted to get out of there. Now I just want to get back. I look at my watch. It’s 1:45 P.M. back home. It’s after lunch!

“Jonah?” I say, staring at his waist. “What are you wearing?”

“Oh,” he says, looking down. “I turned the licorice into a belt. My jeans were slipping down. Mom is not going to be happy. I think I really am losing weight in here!” The licorice has been wrapped about twenty-five times around his waist.

“No way,” I say.

“Way!” he says. Then he yawns.

He puts his head down and closes his eyes.

My eyes feel heavy, too. We’ve been up for hours. I guess I could close them for a few minutes? It’s pitch-black outside and pretty dark in here. It can’t hurt to rest for just a few minutes can it … ?

* * *

I fell asleep! I jolt up with a start. It’s still dark outside. But how long was I out for?

I glance at my watch. It’s now 3:00 P.M. back home. School is done! What is happening in Smithville? Why has no one come to save us? Haven’t Hansel and Gretel told my parents how they got there? Won’t my parents try to find us?

Or what if Hansel and Gretel got out from someone else’s mirror? What if my parents have no idea where we are? What if we’re stuck here forever?

“Jonah!” I whisper-yell, shaking him awake.

“Abby?” Jonah asks.

“We fell asleep. We have to get out of here.” I glance at the witch, who’s thankfully still snoozing.

He nods and sits up, planting his feet on the floor. “I’m hungry. Can I eat the licorice?”

“I guess,” I say. “There’s also a pail of smoothie right behind you.”

He makes a face. “I think I’d rather eat my belt.”

“It’s black licorice. Black licorice is disgusting.”

“I kind of like it,” he says. “I’ve already eaten a foot of it. But I wish I could go back outside and have more of the roof.”

A lightbulb goes off in my head. “Wait a second.” I turn away from Jonah and stare at the wall.

“Jonah, the wall!”

“I see it. I’ve been sitting next to it for hours.”

“Smell it!”

He leans in closer and gives it a sniff. “It smells … sugary?”

“Yes! Exactly! Sugary sweet! It’s a candy wall!”

“It is?”

I nod. I think it is. At least, I think I’ll have to taste it to be sure. Or at least lick it. I stick out my tongue. Please let it be candy, please let it be candy …