Neddy stood by his mam’s side as the whole family waved goodbye to last members of the search party. She was holding his hand in a tight grip as if afraid he might disappear again.
He thought she’d be angry with him, but it seemed that she had been too busy crying ever since he’d arrived home to be cross. When the last of the town folk disappeared down the track, Mam kneeled in front of him.
‘You’re never to run off like that again, do you understand? You had us all worried sick and most of the town came out to search for you.’
She sounded terse to begin with but that didn’t last long. She pulled him into her arms and gave him a hug. When she pulled back there was a look of confusion on her face.
Neddy nodded. ‘Yes, Mam. I promise.’
‘Neddy, what’s under your shirt?’
‘It’s Peter—he’s my friend. He helped me find the way home.’ Neddy pulled down the top of his shirt so she could see. On cue the rabbit moved and peeked out. ‘Please let me keep him. He’s hurt his leg and I have to look after him.’
Mam glanced at his father, who in turn gave a shrug and a nod. He reached over and ruffled Neddy’s hair. ‘Well, I guess it won’t eat that much. Ah, come on, Maggie, it should be all right.’
His brother Gabe piped in, ‘But where were you?’
‘I followed Peter, he took me to see the yellow pebbles,’ Neddy explained.
‘What yellow pebbles?’ asked his father.
Neddy stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out the stones. ‘These!’ he said with a grin as he held out his hand and the stones glistened in the afternoon sun.