Lisa sat and considered what to do. She needed to find the shadow man and get her body back as soon as possible, but she had no idea where to start. Would everyone just think she disappeared? She had minimal contact with her parents, but what about her brother? Should she try to get word to him? But who would believe her in the body of an 8-year-old kid? Both her best friend and boyfriend had betrayed her, so neither of them would be of any use.
Suddenly, Horace's stomach growled. Lisa looked up to realize that she had been in the clearing nearly the entire day, and the sunlight was beginning to fade. While she had no idea whether people would realize she was missing, she assumed people would definitely come looking for Horace. Standing back up again, Lisa brushed herself down, put on Horace's backpack, and pushed her way out of the woods. Popping out onto a deserted-looking road, Lisa looked up and down the street to try to get her bearings. Finally hearing slight sounds of traffic in the distance, she headed out to try to find Horace's home. Trudging down street after street in the form of a shrimpy eight-year-old boy was harder than she thought, and soon she was panting heavily.
"---Win....Hey, Win!' All of a sudden, a hand thumped him on the shoulder. Lisa looked up to see a tomboyish-looking girl with short black hair and a wide smile staring at him. "Geez, I was yellin' forever, what's up with you?" For a moment, Lisa was too confused to respond, but finally she realized the brown-skinned girl in grubby overalls was addressing her, "Win" probably being a shortened form of Horace's last name. Not noting Lisa's discomfiture, the girl went on. "I heard those jerks saying you got yourself jumped by a ghost or something. Why didn't you tell me they were being a pain? I would've laid 'em out good!" The girl grinned and flexed her little bicep.
"I..." Lisa stammered, not certain how to respond. The girl, however, mistook Lisa's confusion for Horace's embarrassment, and sighed.
"Josela, get yourself home, your momma won't want you out after dark!" an older lady called from down the street.
"Yes, Mrs. Diales," Josela replied, then turned back to Lisa and rolled her eyes. "C'mon, let's go!" she laughed, grabbing Horace's hand. Flustered, Lisa allowed herself to be pulled along, but stiffened, worried that she would leave Horace's body for Josela's. However, much to her relief, nothing happened. When they reached a certain street, Josela finally let go of Horace's hand. "See ya tomorrow!" she called back as she trotted one way. Although Lisa was not very familiar with the town, she knew Horace's home was in the opposite direction from where Josela was heading. In fact, whle Horace's house seemed to be in a fairly decent end of town, Josela was heading towards the more run-down side. They seemed an odd pair, but Josela did appear sincerely fond of Horace.
"Jo-..." Lisa called out, unsure. Josela turned back. "Th-thanks." Lisa stuttered, and looked up to see a surprised expression on Josela's face. However, that soon melted into a laugh, and Josela took off down the street.
Trekking the last few blocks, Lisa finally arrived in front of Horace's house just as the sun was setting. Looking up, it seemed a decent enough home, upper-middle class, well-kept. However, Lisa still hesitated about going in. What if they found out something was wrong? Would they do something to Horace?