It took Natasha more than an hour to get to Nigel’s house due to the icy conditions. Natasha was annoyed that Nigel wasn’t ready to go; he was on a computer and appeared to be working on something.

“We have to go, Nigel. Your mother is waiting.”

Nigel didn’t respond.

Ralphie was playing Kenny Kart: a console game that he loved. Cassidy and Milo sat on either side of him.

“How you doing, buddy?” Milo asked.

“Good,” Ralphie answered. “You guys here to hang out again?”

Cassidy put her arm around Ralphie. She was trying to find the words to explain why his mother wasn’t home. Cassidy waited until Ralphie finished the level he was on. He was about to start another game when Cassidy put her hand over the game controller.

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“Ralphie, your mother was in an accident,” Cassidy said.

Ralphie looked alarmed. “Is she okay?”

“I hope so. But we need to leave now. We will help you get your stuff ready,” Milo said.

“I don’t need anything. I just want to see Mama!”

“You might need a change of clothes. We don’t know how long your mother will be there,” Cassidy said.

Ralphie was silent for a moment.

“Okay! Let’s hurry,” Ralphie said.

While Milo, Cassidy, and John were getting Ralphie’s stuff together, Nigel was still typing away. Soon Ralphie was all packed, and he and Natasha went to see Nigel.

“We need to go, Nige,” Ralphie insisted.

“Nigel, we should go,” Natasha said.

It’s almost if he doesn’t want to go, she thought.

“Okay, I’m ready,” Nigel said.

Natasha stared at Nigel. “You can speak!”

“Oh, this?” Nigel pulled down his turtleneck to expose Dane’s invention. Natasha came close. She wanted to inspect the device.

“Who made this?”

“Dane, Mr. Henry’s son.”

“Clever boy.”

Nigel gathered his laptop and accessories and headed for the door.