They left Sweden's house after supper, despite Sweden's pleas that they stayed the night and set off the next day. But they did leave the goats at his house, and borrowed gloves and scarves and appropriate coats for the weather.
"We'll be there in no time. Thanks for the nice weather!" said Spain as he climbed into the van. He waved back. "Enjoy then, we'll pick them up in a couple of days!"
Sealand, Ladonia and Finland waved back, but Sweden only took out his phone, concern all over his face.
"Who should I call? Germany or Romano?" he asked.
"You felt it too?" said Finland. "Spain looked so terrible. Call Romano."
Sweden nodded, and dialed Romano's number. He hadn't dared to do it when they were in the house.
"He doesn't answer," he said when he was redirected to the voicemail. "Romano it's Sweden. Call me as soon as you can please."
France came running down the street towards them. His wild hair and his rumpled shirt made it seem as if he had just climbed out of bed.
"Oh, no," he said, and stopped to catch his breath. "I just missed them, didn't I? Spain and Prussia I mean."
"They just left!" said Sealand.
Finland put a hand on his shoulder. "Go back inside, will you?" he told the kids, then looked back to France. "They went to Lapland to see the northern lights. What happened?"
"I'm not sure yet, but I intend to find out," said France and fanned himself with his hand. "Would you be kind and give me a glass of water before I leave?"
They gave him the water, along with boots, gloves, and a scarf. When he left they called Romano again. This time he did pick up.