The woods looked different at night. The squirrels weren't out, but a field mouse suddenly scurried by, ducking into a pile of leaves at the base of a tree. For the first time, I saw the forest. I mean, really saw the forest. Even in the moonlight, I could see the variation in the colors of the leaves on the trees. The colors were dim in the moonlight, but still there. The leaves were yellow, orange, a burnished red, and a rich brown, all faded in the moonlight, but still there.
Then my thoughts drifted to Mom and Timmy at home. I didn't worry so much about my Dad; he could take care of himself. Also, I'd just talked to him so I knew he was safe … or reasonably so. He could hide and move in the shadows at night and remain undetected. He could take care of himself. But Mom and Timmy were a
