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"One two three — go!”

Engrossed in a game of Perpetual Commotion Sari Adina and Ahuva were tossing brightly colored cards onto assorted piles at a fast and furious pace.

“I’m out!” Sari called gleefully and Adina and Ahuva groaned.

“Maybe I’ll win the next round” Adina declared.

“Nope” Ahuva said firmly. “I plan to cream both of you.”

Laughing they resumed the game in earnest hands and cards flying in a whirl of color.

Just then the phone rang. Adina really didn’t feel like answering especially in the middle of an action-packed round but by the third ring she could no longer ignore it.

“Time out” she called and Adina and Ahuva paused and let out loud sighs.

“Hi Sari.” It was Mommy. “How’s everything? Did Eli get home yet?”

Glancing up at the wall Sari was surprised to see that it was already four. A quivery sensation bolted through her as she realized that her little brother Eli should have been home an hour ago.

“No Ma. I haven’t seen him yet.”

“What?!” Her mother’s voice was strident sounding truly alarmed. “What do you mean you haven’t seen him? You’re supposed to be babysitting! Why didn’t you call me as soon as you realized he wasn’t home on time?”

Sari flushed crimson. What could she say? That she had been too busy playing a card game with her friends to remember her little brother? That she hadn’t bothered to look at the clock?

“Hold on Ma” Sari said and a wave of relief washed over her as she realized what probably happened. “I’ll go check the kitchen and playroom. I probably just didn’t hear him come in.”

Of course Eli would be in one of those rooms! Sari thought. Either sitting at the table munching some cookies or building one of his endless castles out of little Lego.

Sari dashed downstairs and took a quick peek around.

“Eli?” she called peering into the kitchen.

“Eli?” Her voice grew louder as she raced into the playroom. Her eyes roved around the room and her heart sank; Eli was nowhere to be seen.