The air was cool and clear after the storm. The late afternoon cast long shadows. The girls ran till they were out of breath. Soon Miss Betsy’s white house came into view. Several hounds raised a ruckus as Lynn opened the gate, totally unconcerned. Lou didn’t quite feel like barging in. “Won’t they bite us?”

“Nah.” Lynn said. “Have you heard of all bark and no bite? Look. This one’s so old he doesn’t even have any teeth. “

A smiling woman in a faded blue housedress and checkered apron came out on the porch. “Hey Lynn, who’s your buddy.? Come on in. I just took tea cakes out of the oven. Arnie just got done milking and the milk’s still warm. How’s your mama and that new baby?”

“Mother’s fine but that baby cries a lot. I wonder if Mother could get her money back.”

“You better not let Mama hear you say that. I think she’s pretty partial to babies.” Miss Betsy shook her finger at Lynn but she laughed.

“We can’t come in. Lou and her Grandma were riding bikes and got caught in the storm. They got separated. Maybe she headed this way. Have you seen a little old lady? “Lynn asked hopefully.

“No.I’ve been busy in the house”said Miss Betsy, “but a couple of cars passed by. Maybe she caught a ride.”

At this, Lou finally broke into tears. Miss Betsy hugged her. “Aw, Baby. Try not to cry. Your grandma’s gonna turn up. People don’t just disappear into thin air.”

Lou wailed. “It seems like she did. She’s just gone.”

Miss Becky looked at the setting sun. “Tell you what girls. I’ll spread the word for everybody to look out for your grandma. Folks around here look out for their neighbors. Let me get you girls a cookie for you to eat on the way home. It’s getting dusky. Lynn, tell your mother I’ll walk down to see her in the morning. Now, scoot!”

Lynn chomped into her cookie as they rounded the curve. Lou didn’t want hers. “Would you look at this?” She took off at a run. “This is the biggest turtle I’ve ever seen! He has a big yellow X on his back!”

At that, Lou raced to get a look. Sure enough, it was the proof Grandma promised her. She grabbed Lynn’s hands and danced her around. “Lynn! Lynn! It’s a message from Grandma! She’s okay! She’s looking for me!”

To be continued: