He didnt have much of an idea where he was, but he ran anyway, heading in what he was certain was the vague direction of home.

Without looking behind, Oliver ran and ran. The rain and wind beat him, making it hard going, but this was one of the few occasions where being small was an advantage. Chris would struggle to drag his lumbering body around, Oliver knew, whereas he was sprightly.

But, Oliver realized, Chris wasnt his only problem. All his friends were with him. The girl in particular was a very fast runner. Oliver stole a glance over his shoulder and saw that she was gaining on him.

Oliver passed some stores, then turned into an alleyway leading to their back streets. He dodged and weaved through obstacles such as abandoned shopping carts and empty boxes that had been swept up in the winds.

Then he rounded a corner. For a brief moment, he was out of sight of the approaching bullies.

As a strong blast knocked over a garbage can, Oliver had a sudden burst of inspiration. Without a moments hesitation, he leapt inside the can, crawling over rotten food and empty wrappers until he was completely out of sight. Then he curled into a ball and waited.

The girls feet appeared on the strip of sidewalk he could see. She stopped and paced in a full circle, as if looking for him. Then Oliver heard more pounding footsteps and saw that shed been joined by Chris and the other cronies.

Where did he go? he heard one of them shout.

How did you lose him? came Chriss distinct voice.

He was here one second and gone the next! the girl yelled back.

Oliver stayed very still. His heart was hammering and his limbs were shaking from all the exertion.

Hes done one of his spells, Chris said.

In his stinky, shadowy trash can, Oliver frowned. What did Chris mean?

Thats so creepy, the girl said. You mean he made himself disappear?

I told you, didnt I? Chris replied. Hes some kind of freak.

Maybe hes possessed, one of the boys said.

Dont be an idiot, Chris shot back. Hes not possessed. But theres something wrong with him. Now do you believe me?

I do, the girl said, but Oliver noticed that her voice was coming from farther away.

He peered to where her feet had been and saw theyd now disappeared from sight. Chris and his cronies were leaving.

Oliver waited. Even after their disparaging conversation about him faded to nothing, he didnt want to leave the safety of the trash can. There was still a chance one of them was waiting, just in case he was about to reveal his hiding place.