The Silver Owl

7

We set off walking/running. That was not smart. At all.

I have my iPhone with me. I totally forgot about it. Zac and I stopped at a cafe and I found it in my backpack that I normally use for school, which now has supplies for us in it. Food, water, money, first aid, you know.

I turn my phone on. After a minute or so I get a text from my mother.

Mom
I hope your doing okay, sweetie. If your not sure where to go next, try Leafcrossing. Love you!!

I stare at my phone. Leafcrossing? Where was Leafcrossing?!

"Zac, where is Leafcrossing?" I ask. He gives me a funny look.

"Leafcrossing? Are you sure your not making this up?"

"I'm positive. Look," I show him my mother's text message.

"Huh."

"Yeah. I know."

Zac thinks for a moment. "Lizzie, could I see that map?"

I agree that, that would probably be smart. I pull the old leathery paper I was terrified of out of my bag.

I spread it across the table. Nothing said Leafcrossing on the map.

"Maybe we could ask someone," I recommend, Zac agrees.

I flag over the waiter, "Excuse me, could you, maybe, direct us to Leafcrossing?" I ask politely.

The waiter looks terrified at the name Leafcrossing.

"Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to leave," he instructs me.

Zac and I stand up and leave. After we are out, we both look at each other.

One question swam through both of our heads.

What was wrong with Leafcrossing?