Lean and I found our way out of the cave and walked to the mansion. Well, I walked. Lean floated. And the orb was in her purse because I convinced the talking snake to allow us to borrow it...if he joined us on our quest. He agreed and was slithering behind us. Now, he could watch the orb without worrying if it broke. Also, he was back to his normal size.

The blue ghost whispered to me so that the snake could not overhear. "You do realize that letting the snake come along will make it a little more difficult for us."

"I knew that you would mention that sooner or later," I informed her. "What else could I do? He put me on the spot."

"You could have - oh, I do not know - tell him the adventures that you have been through in this series."

"He specifically said to prove it. Claiming and showing are different words for a reason. Anyway, why are we going to the mansion? You said that you know exactly where the eyeballs are."

"I do. I was not lying then and am not lying to you now. I will tell and even show you as soon as we are on the property."

I rubbed my arm and took a glance at the sky. It was its magnificent purple, and there was no doubt that everybody that I left behind earlier were awake and either searching for me or back at the mansion and eating breakfast. Though, it did not matter what any of them were up to. They would probably be disappointed that I left the campsite without them and claim that leaving Spirita as a message for them was unacceptable.

Speaking of leaving...and unacceptable...

We reached the mansion and saw something unusual. Mr. Hawk was bringing a suitcase out from the mansion. My suitcase.

I kicked up speed and did not stop until I was right in front of him. "Mr. Hawk," I said his name. One look at the suitcase was enough to confirm that it was indeed mine, and I pointed a finger at it. "Why do you have my suitcase? Are you about to wash it? Is that why you brought it outside?"

"I only wish," Mr. Hawk replied sadly. "Your sister and parents have agreed."

"Agreed on what?"

"On leaving. You and your family are leaving."

"Leaving the mansion?"

"Not just leaving the mansion. All of you are leaving Forlot...forever."