Summary

It is the end of the school day in Chapter 1 and Maya Ruben goes to meet her adopted son, Max, at the school bus stop. The bus comes, but Max is not on it. When she asks the driver about him, he simply says that Max was not on the bus and tries to leave. She is persistent, though, and finally one of the students tells her that she saw him get on a town bus. The girl does not know the bus number, but the bus driver realizes which one it is and now begins to show concern. The bus goes towards the New York State line. He tries to contact the school, but he cannot get through. Finally, he tells Maya that he will reach the school and that Max will turn up. Maya goes home and calls the principal...