search base in his store because he, too, was worried for the teen.

"My wife was in tears as soon as she heard about it. We personally do not even know the people in any way,” said Dawson. “It was just the idea of it hitting home."

The next day, a man entered the home where Eliso had found shelter and told her to leave, suggesting she call 911 when she told him she was lost. Without a cellphone, Eliso continued to walk around Elmwood, eventually entering a business and telling a woman that she needed help.

"I tell her, 'I lost my home. I lost my house.' And she says, ‘I can help you,’” said Eliso.

That woman phoned Elmwood High School and explained she was with the missing girl. Elisowas finally reunited with her mother, brother, older sister and father Tuesday night.

While Eliso was not injured and says she was not afraid during her ordeal, she admits she was cold and hungry. She is happy to have the ordeal over and will be back in school Thursday.