1. Salamanca, New York: This is where the story begins, and where Phoebe's parents are moving to.
2. Ohio: They stop at a rest area in Ohio, where Phoebe encounters a strange, but friendly, woman who tells her a story about a "walking" cat.
3. Indiana: They visit Phoebe's Aunt Gladys in Indiana, who tells Phoebe about her troubled marriage and the mysterious disappearance of her husband, the story's namesake.
4. Kentucky: Phoebe and her grandparents meet up with their friend, Mr. Birkway, in Kentucky, who tells them about his own tragic love story.
5. Tennessee: Phoebe and her grandparents have a "picnic" in the Tennessee mountains.
6. Georgia: Phoebe's grandparents visit a house in Georgia that is similar to the one Phoebe's parents are moving to. They visit the house's owner, who shares a story about her own struggles and how she learned to find hope again.
7. Florida: They visit Phoebe's grandmother's family in Florida, where she discovers more about her family history.
8. Salamanca, New York: They finally arrive back in Salamanca, where Phoebe's parents are now living, and Phoebe learns a valuable lesson about her own family and the importance of understanding and forgiveness.
The journey that Gram and Gramps take isn't just about getting to Salamanca. It's a journey of discovery and healing for Phoebe, as she learns about her family history, her own emotions, and the importance of forgiveness. Each stop along the way provides Phoebe with valuable insights and stories that help her grow as a person.