“The boys were here,” he breathed. “They were here... in this clearing”

They’d been searching for eight hours. But who was counting? Not Mr. Shine, not when his Avi was lost somewhere in this dark, looming forest, with its twisting trails and the sound of animals in the distance.

“Are there bears in the forest?” he asked.

Mordche Fishman, an experienced Chaverim volunteer and the leader of their search party, half-turned. “Let’s hope not,” he said tersely.

In front of them, David and Tzviki were combing the undergrowth on opposite sides of the path.

“Aaaaaaviiii! Elchaaaaannnaaaann! Can you hear us?”

Their voices were hoarse from exhaustion, but they weren’t about to give up — and neither would Mr. Shine, despite the aching of muscles he’d forgotten he owned and the expensive business suit that was now adorned with a crusty layer of mud and leaves.

“Avi Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine! Elchanan Staaaaaaaaark!”

The group came to a small circular gap between the trees. The trail didn’t seem to continue in any particular direction, but that didn’t matter; the main thing was to cover the entire territory they’d been assigned.

“Wait a minute, guys, let me check the grid.” Mordche beckoned at Dov Ordman, another experienced volunteer. “Let’s figure out where we are and divide up to cover the next areas. It’s much lighter now, that should make things easier...”

Most of the group seemed happy for the brief respite. They pulled out water and energy bars, downing the meager breakfast quickly but with hearty appetite. Mr. Shine, on the other hand, felt his stomach recoil at the mere thought of food. How could he eat now? How could anyone eat now? Avi and his friend had been missing overnight. Were they okay? Were they injured, lost, terrified? How far had they walked? When, oh when, would one of the search parties find them?