Chapter 46: Chapter 46

Tom yawned and looked at the clock again. Mr. Henry was cool, but he only had so many stories and Tom heard them all the first time Mr. Henry had subbed. Tom didn't like to admit it, but he had got to like learning.

Mrs. Dalrymple had been missing for days and he was scared. She was important. She taught him basketball and fixed his family. Tom tried to make himself listen to Mr. Henry as he talked again about the bear chasing him away from a mushroom patch. Mrs. Dalrymple would tell him to focus.

The recess bell went, and they were free to run around outside. The teachers had doubled up yard duty. Any kid who went out of sight risked being made to stand by a teacher for the rest of recess. That's why it was strange to see Georgia heading for the trees at the edge of the yard. Tom followed her and saw her talking with Ryley. She came back looking pale.

"What's up with Ryley?" Not much fazed Georgia.

"He wants his mug," Georgia sounded distracted.