When Steve and Kynthos woke up, the house was quiet. Grandfather’s bed was empty, and his sandals were missing from by the door.
They checked the garden and the barn, but there was no sign of him.
"Where did he go?" Kynthos asked, rubbing his sleepy eyes.
"I don't know," Steve said, trying not to show his worry. "Maybe he went to the market early."
But midday came and went, and Grandfather did not return.
By late afternoon, the boys were sitting by the open door, staring down the long dirt road.
Grandfather had never just disappeared like this. He always told them where he was going and when he would be back.
Finally, as the sun began to set and the shadows grew long and cold, they saw a familiar figure limping slowly down the path.
Steve and Kynthos ran out to meet him.
Grandfather looked exhausted. His clothes were torn, he was covered in dirt, and he carried nothing in his hands.
"Grandfather! What happened? We were so scared!" Kynthos cried.
Inside, after Grandfather had washed and rested, he sat the boys down.
"I made a mistake today," Grandfather began, his voice low and serious.
"I woke up early and saw we were out of meat. I thought I would just slip out, hunt quickly, and be back before you woke. I thought it would be a pleasant surprise."
He paused, looking at his torn tunic.
"But I ran into a brown bear. It took my kill. I had to abandon the meat and go miles out of my way to stay clear of the beast and get home safely."
Steve frowned.
"You couldn't control the bear, Grandfather. That wasn't a mistake."
"No, Steve," Grandfather corrected firmly. "The bear was out of my control. But leaving without telling anyone? That was entirely in my control, and it was foolish."
Grandfather looked them both in the eyes.
"Anything can happen in this world. Because I did not tell you where I was going, you worried all day. If I had been hurt, you would not have known where to look for me."
He placed a hand over his heart.
"I was wrong, and I am sorry. You must always tell those who care about you where you are going. That is how we protect each other."
