22
Marshall opened the recreation area door and peered inside. He heard whispered voices and decided the children were awake, so he reached over to turn on the light switch. Silence immediately followed. He smiled as all eyes turned to him. Counting quickly, he realized there were ten instead of twelve faces. In the middle of their sleeping pallets lay one unoccupied mat, two backpacks, and a blanket. Because he had seen all the children the night before, he knew who was absent.
“Do you know where Lucy and Braxton went?”
No answer was voiced, only the shake of heads.
“Well, I’m sure they’ll return. Their packs are here, and I know they wouldn’t leave any of you. I thought we would start off with learning how to navigate the tunnels. Some of those who live here visit Leo’s lair in the m
