Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19 "What are we going to do, Dad?!" Michael asked Dr. Gomez as the family gathered in Michael's room for bedtime prayers. Next to Michael's bed sat Merle and Pearl's empty hamster mansion. The family sat solemnly, waiting for Dr. Gomez's response. "I don't know, buddy," he finally admitted. "There's no telling where they are now." Of course, they had checked the hotel where they had last seen the man in the suit and sunglasses, as well as with the rental car company where he'd rented his car, but had come up empty. "I hope they don't go back to the Dead Sea," Jane said sadly. Mr. Nemesis purred happily in her lap. In contrast with the rest of the family, the cat seemed quite content with the current state of affairs. Without Merle and Pearl, he had the house and the family all to himself again.

"Why did the squirrels leave the house if they knew that man was after them?" Mrs. Gomez asked. "Merle loved that drone," Michael answered. "He was having so much fun he said he just couldn't help himself." No sooner had the words left his mouth than Michael realized Merle's flying fascination wasn't too different from his obsession with Super Squish Squids. "I get it," he admitted. "I've been so focused on beating Sadie at Super Squids 3 that I've also been having trouble controlling myself." "All of us have weaknesses," his mom said, ruffling his hair. "God can use the things we struggle with to remind us of our need for his help." Michael prayed and asked God for his fruit of the Spirit of self-control. "Thank you for your love for me when I need it the most, and please help me to trust you for

everything in my life," he said. The family then prayed for Merle and Pearl and for their safe return. As Mrs. Gomez, Jane, and Mr. Nemesis exited Michael's room, Dr. Gomez picked up the backpack Michael had used to bring Merle and Pearl home to Tennessee and set it next to Michael's bed. "Get some sleep, buddy," Dr. Gomez said. "We need to find Merle and Pearl. Their knowledge is too valuable, and they can't end up in the wrong hands. We'll pack in the morning."