Grandmother approached and put her hands on Clarissa's shoulders, "My dear, grandfather said he'll be back in about two to four months." Rubbing Clarissa's back, she continued, "I have something that might cheer you up." Grandmother went into her house and returned with a white box tied with a red ribbon. "Here, I hope this will make your day a little better..." 

But Clarissa, in her frustration, smacked the box with her right hand, sending it into a mud puddle. "Clarissa!" Mother exclaimed, "Your grandmother was trying to help you, but you..." She stopped herself, trying to contain her frustration. "Pick up the box now, or I'll have to spank you when we get home!" Clarissa threw herself to the ground, flailing her arms and legs. Sighing heavily, Amadea picked up her daughter and the muddy box. 

As Clarissa continued to struggle, Mother put her down, stepped back, and put her hands on her hips, trying to hold her temper. Unable to restrain her anger, Amadea burst out at her daughter, "Knock it off, you need to grow up!" Shocked, Clarissa covered her mouth with both hands and looked at her mother, muttering, "It can't be... I'm turning into you..." Grandmother scowled at her daughter and replied, "And didn't you act just like Clarissa before?" 

Calming down from her outburst, Clarissa got to her feet. Mother picked her up and whispered, "I'm sorry that I lost my temper. You're a good daughter, and grandfather will return before you know it." Taking the box from grandmother, they began to head home.

Arriving home at dusk, the mother and her daughter sat at the table, eating. A knock on the door interrupted their meal. Amadea glanced at the door, then back at Clarissa, and said, "You continue eating, okay dear? Mama will see who is at the door." She rose from her chair and approached the door, her mind filled with fear. She feared her husband might have perished for what he believed in. Amadea's chin dropped to her chest as she took a heavy inhale and placed her hand on the door handle, twisting it open. The door swung ajar, and a shadowy figure entered, a groggy voice uttering, "Hello... dear..."

Concerned by the voice, Amadea asked, "Is that you, dear?" The figure barged in and sat on the rocking chair. Amadea, stunned, was about to flee but then recognized her husband's face. "Missed me?" he said with a sly grin. Shocked and overjoyed, Amadea ran to her husband, Theodosius. "What happened to you?" she asked, noticing his cuts and bruises and torn clothes. "Were you fighting a bear or a pack of wolves?" She grabbed a rag from the kitchen. "Not exactly. One of the assistants provoked a bear cub near where we were building our traps. I was scouting for trap locations. Thankfully, nobody was severely harmed," Theodosius explained.

Nervous about what he had to say next, knowing his wife wouldn't like it, Theodosius began, "I will—" Amadea interrupted, crossing her arms, anticipating his words. "Again?! Can't you stay home and forget about your traps? What will your daughter think of your disappearance?" Theodosius rose from the chair, saying, "I wish I could, my dear. I have some terrible news to share with you, and it's best if you sit down." Amadea sat on the rocking chair. "There was another animal attack in the town your father is in, and I don't know if he's alright or not," Theodosius said, tears running down Amadea's face. 

"That's why I asked for your support to continue my project. Once we get these traps fully functional, I'll be able to sell them to other towns." Walking over to his wife, Theodosius added, "We're almost at perfection." He kissed her forehead. "Anyway, how was your visit with your mother?"