Chapter 20

Oliver strolled out of class, swinging his little backpack, but his eyes searched the school gate in vain—Mom wasn’t there. He tiptoed, scanning left and right, watching classmate after classmate being led away by their parents. His shoulders slumped as he let out a small sigh. Mom must be tied up with something again. Clenching his tiny fists, Oliver kept telling himself that—it’s okay, Mom would never just forget him. “Are you cold?” The sudden voice made Oliver snap his head up—and there stood a man. Whoa... he looks even better than those actors on TV. That was Oliver’s first thought, but then he remembered what Mom always said: never, ever talk to strangers. Even if they look super cool. He instinctively took a step back—only to trip over a stone behind him. His small body lost balance instantly and started to topple toward the ground. Ethan hadn’t expected to spook the kid. He moved in a flash, scooping Oliver up before he could hit the ground. “You okay?” Oliver’s eyes widened i