Just as his sister expected, Jonathan was in trouble. His vacation turned into a horrible nightmare when he heard about the lost jewel of Russia's greatest king. He was told the body was buried deep down, beneath the cold earth, hidden inside the ancient catacombs for eternity. When a mysterious man approached him and told him about the riches, Jonathan almost had a new best friend! The man said he knew how to get inside the catacombs, and offered to take Jonathan with him. Of corse, he said yes. The next day, right before sunrise, the two had set off towards the secret entrance. Much to Jonathan's displeasure, they had to walk to the opening. When they finally got to the steep slope that beckoned darkness, Jonathan was more than eager to enter. Down they went, avoiding the slippery pools of water and overhanging cobwebs. Jonathan only had his love for everything shiny to keep him going. His head filled with wondrous thoughts of all the money hidden with that dead dude. Lost in his dreams, he didn't even notice his best friend slip away back towards the light. It wasn't for a few hours later did Jonathan realized what was happening. "Um- hello?" he called, expecting an answer. The silence was beginning to freak him out. He tried to retrace his steps, but he got nowhere. "Blasted little! I'm going to find those jewels, and when I do, I'll rub 'em in your face!" he yelled, hoping he could hear it. He sat down and looked around. "I could live here... Eat spiders... Marry a beetle... Have three kids... Oh what am I saying? I'm going mad!"

"Pack some stuff and climb into the car Adam!" Evi yelled, packing some food into clear, plastic containers. "Let me guess; it's about Jonathan isn't it?" he sighed.

"How did you know?"

"Lucky guess,"

"Well, get off the couch and hurry up!" Rick said, looking at Acalan.

"Walk your friend to the door," Evi gestured towards the front entrance.

"But the game just-"

"No, we have to go now!" Rick grumbled, picking him up.

"Fine. Sorry Acalan, come back in a few weeks. If I'm still alive by then!" Adam grinned.

"Thanks." Evi said, pleased at least one person in the house knew how to follow directions.

Rick opened the back door of the car to make sure Adam was in his car seat. "This is just a minor... Setback... In our plans, that's all?" Evi reassured, sitting in the seat next to Rick. "Minor setback?" Adam raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, a big setback, whatever. Don't tell your parents though!" she turned around, making sure he was listening.

"Are you mad at Uncle John?"

"No! Of coarse not!" she sighed, thinking all the millions of reasons no not ever let him into their house again.

They sat quietly in the car, Evi reading her new Roman history novel, Rick behind the wheel, and Adam taking a nap in the back seat. It wasn't until an ambitious seven year old woke up from his sleep that things began to pick up again. His eyes were full of fear and sadness. Evi saw his face in the rearview mirror and turned around to face him. "What's up?" she asked gently. "I miss mom and dad." he said slowly, his face unbearable. "They'll be back to see you; as soon as we get back with Jonathan."

Adam had to think of something to say fast, for he didn't want to tell his grandma the real reason why his head was spinning around in circles. "Do you still miss them?"

"Miss who?" Evi asked, deciding to play along with one of his jokes.

"Your parents. Do you miss them?" Adam said.

"What?" she said, thinking she missed something he was saying?

"Must I say it again?"

"No, but how do you know about all that?"

"Well," Adam started, ignoring her last question. "I know they miss you." he whispered. Evi was too stunned to say anything. Rick gripped the steering wheel tightly and stared into the foggy mist outside. "Your father.. father..." Adam said, trying to remember the name, "oh yes, Howard, that was his name!" he said. That made Rick slam the brakes, stopping dead in the middle of the street. "What did you say?" Evi muttered, her face paling. Rick remained silent. "And I forgot the other one,"

"Layla." she said, barely above a whisper, as if she hadn't said that word in a while.

"Hmm?"

"Her.. her name was Layla."

"Yes, that's it. She traveled all over the world, and... and... Then your dad got that mummy curse thing and then the plane crash-"

"-you know what? How about you read your book?" Evi said suddenly, closing her eyes. Adam looked at her, startled by the sudden urgness of her voice. He sat back down, staring blankly into the pages. He didn't mean to make her mad; he only wanted to impress her with his smartness.

Evi leaned her head against the cold glass window, and Rick could've swore there was a tear or two running down her cheeks.