Miguel sat on the worn couch, his small legs dangling above the floor as he hugged Mr. Growls tightly to his chest. The teddy bear was the only familiar thing in this strange house. His mind kept replaying everything that had happened today, like one of those action movies Nanny Lily never let him watch.
This morning had started like any other Saturday. He'd been so excited to see his mommy, jumping at the window when her car pulled up. But then she'd taken him outside to his secret spot by the big oak tree, and everything had changed.
"We're going on an adventure," she'd whispered, her eyes darting nervously toward Uncle Xavier's guards.
Miguel remembered how his heart had raced with excitement. An adventure! Just like in his storybooks!
But his mommy's hands had trembled as she'd lif
