It’s true. It is a pretty great place to live. I guess I’ve really been taking it for granted.

“Well, you two have to get home now,” I say. “Your dad really misses you. He’s waiting for you at the police station. Do you know where that is?”

Gretel nods. “We have to cross a big pond to get there, but I know the way.”

“We can take Ms. Duck across,” Hansel tells her.

“Yeah, just don’t tell her to duck if you don’t want Gretel to get mad,” Jonah whispers with a grin.

“Huh?” Gretel asks.

“Nothing. Let’s go down to the mirror,” I say. “I’m sure Maryrose will let you through when we explain what happened.”

“But it’s not midnight,” Jonah says. “The mirror only works at midnight.”

“We have to try,” I say.

* * *

I tiptoe out of my bedroom and look up and down the hallway. No sign of my parents. Good. I head back in my room and close the door.

“Jonah,” I say, “go downstairs and make sure Mom and Dad aren’t around. I’m going to sneak Hansel and Gretel to the basement. If you hear Mom and Dad, make sure they don’t see us!”

“Got it,” he says.

“Abby?” Gretel asks, biting her lip.

“Yeah?” I say.

“Can I keep this outfit?” she asks. She glances down at my red sweater and jeans. She’s even wearing my purple high-tops.

“Sure,” I say. Not the first time I’ve lost clothes to a fairy tale.

“You can keep the sweater,” Jonah tells Hansel. “I hate that thing. It’s so ugly.”

Hansel frowns. “This sweater? No, thanks. It is really ugly!”

Jonah sighs as Hansel takes off the sweater and hands it to him.

“You should probably have this back, too,” Gretel says, removing the FRA necklace and handing it to me.

“Thanks,” I say, and put it around my neck. “I appreciate you giving it back. Okay, Jonah — go be the lookout.” I turn to Hansel and Gretel. “Come on, guys. Time to go.”

We slip downstairs. I hear my parents in the kitchen. Please don’t come out and see two Abbys and two Jonahs!

“Hurry!” I whisper as we round the corner to the basement door.

Success — our parents don’t come out of the kitchen.

We rush down the steps and stop in front of the mirror.

I knock three times.

Nothing happens.

“Maryrose?” I call. “Hello? It’s me, Abby.”

“And Jonah!” he says.

“And Hansel and Gretel,” Hansel adds.

“Maryrose?” I say again, knocking three more times. “Hansel and Gretel need to go home. I know it’s not midnight, but can you open the portal so they can leave?”

No answer.

Crumbs.

“I guess we really do have to wait till midnight,” I say. “Okay, everyone back upstairs. Quietly!”

We all head back up to my room.

So much for getting my life back.

* * *

“Abby? Jonah?” my parents call. “Do you want to come watch a show with us in the den?”