THE BRUSH-OFF FROM Ashley left me only Mom to talk with about what had happened. She had stayed home with TJ intentionally, I think. She said she"d only be in the way. I think she wanted to avoid me in case we didn"t find Fritz. But I had stood by the door each time Eric opened the portal, and I saw him, a blurry version of him anyway. I told Mom that I had a million emotions knowing he would be back in minutes.
THE BRUSH-OFF FROMWhen the portal closed on its own, I had as many questions as feelings. Why had he waited instead of running to catch up to Ashley? What happened with the portal? I wanted to go to Ashley"s this morning and talk with him and Eric to find out what they know. Ashley"s answers weren"t heartening. Some had a bite. Mom said to go to work, that I"d find out when Ashley
