I just stood there. I felt numb.

Axel wandered about the house, trying to find some clues. He was just wasting his time.

"Hey!"he exclaimed. "Nell come over here."

I walked over to him. He handed me a note.

"This was lying on the dining table under a jug."he explained.

I opened it up. Inside, my mother's handwriting was scrawled over the page. It looked like it had been written in a hurry.

"Nell this town isn't safe any more. Some mottled men came and attacked us. Your sister has been bitten by one of those men. I don't know why they bit her but we have to get her immediate treatment. We tried calling you but your cellphone wasn't working. Call as soon as you get this. We are heading over to North Wellsington where cases like this are being treated. Take care and be safe.
Love
Mom"

My eyes brimming with tears I looked over to Axel. "They got Tess."

"Oh." He laid a comforting hand on my arm and then set his jaw. He walked out of the room. I watched him leave not paying much attention.

I heard him clattering about in the kitchen. Slowly, I got up and climbed upstairs. Opening the door to Tess' room, I walked inside.

I felt as if my heart would break. My sister. My best friend. I felt as if I would die if something happened to her.
Tess' room looked as it always did. Untidy, with clothes lying everywhere.

I took a step further , and something came in front of my foot. I nearly fell down but regained my balance at the last moment .

Bending down, I picked up a pink stuffed bear from the ground.

Tess has had him since she was four. She had seen him at a fair and lost her heart to him , immediately christening him Mr Amaka. Even though she liked to act all grown up now, she loved Mr Amaka and called him her good luck charm. I pocketed it.

My eyes fell on her bedside table. A framed picture of me and Tess laughing our heads off was lying there.

I picked it up. The tears returned. First Cherry and now Tess. I couldn't let anything happen to her- I wouldn't. I had to stay strong.

Axel cleared his throat behind me, startling me. He was carrying two duffel bags filled with food and clothes.

"I fetched my stuff when I went to pick up Chuck. I had a feeling I would need it."

I looked at him , not understanding.

"Pack your bags."he clarified. We are going on a road trip. To North Wellsington."