When we came to an abrupt halt, I quickly concluded that I wasn"t in the Land of Oz; instead, Bane and I were back at the fireflies’ nest, or so it seemed.
The atmosphere appeared thicker, with no breeze. The trees were calm, and the bugs were quiet. My head spun in circles like Ring-Around-the-Rosy. I stammered over my words, “What-what-what-did-did-you-you do?” Immediately, my stomach roiled, and I darted off to the nearest bush.
Bane stood by my side, gently stroking my back, but I was still hurt and angry with him. I wanted to punish him. Jolting up, I swung at him, knocking his hand away. “Don’t touch me!” I screeched. “You’ve been hiding my father’s murderer from me all this time!”
“Stevie,” his face appeared torn. “Please, let me explain.”
“Why bother? Don’t you have me penciled
