This old man had a strange name, Gaius which people often made mockery of, but this never bothered him. His disregard for their silly jokes later earned him the rank of a Colonel in Angleslandian Army. When he retired from the army, he engaged himself in several prestigious government and private jobs. But then in his mid-age, his son gave birth to his grandson, Matthew.
Then his whole life changed following the sudden disappearance of his grandson. Before then, both of them used to partake in morning walk, some hard work-outs and close combat techniques in the woods, where human beings rarely crossed their path. This his morning routine had now been put on hold because of depression that had set in, which was likely to increase if he continued doing the daily exercise without his grandson.
Surprisingly, he woke up today with renewed hope and this made him shout orders at his son and daughter in-law, as he used to do. They had not yet overcome the shock of losing their son. Gaius said, "My grandson is an exquisite boy. We were restricting him too much. That is why he has flown away like a little birdie. He is wise enough. He will return. Go Susan cook some healthy breakfast for us. I am going on a walk."
He did a light walk-out around the woods before returning home. The moment he perceived the sweet aroma of oatmeal, he quickened his steps. On entering the first room he noticed that his son and daughter in-law were sitting side by side and crumpled up together. His son was holding a piece of paper, while his daughter in-law was crying with her head placed on her husband's shoulder.
Gaius shouted, "What happened?"
His son then handed over the paper to him which he read. It was his grandson's blood report. All lights faded from his face and he became depressed again. Then he checked himself. He could not give in to depression anymore. He had to be strong. He must bear the torch of hope if his son who was two decades younger than him, could not be hopeful.
Gaius laughed to the bewilderment and shock of everybody. They began to wonder if their beloved father had gone mad. But Gaius laughed again before ordering his daughter in-law to serve him some oatmeal. Reluctantly, Susan went to the dining table and set three plates. Though unwilling to eat at first, Adam and Susan still managed to comply with their dad's order to eat with him. He drank a glass of water after finishing his breakfast and said, "We just knew he ran away. Now we know why and I am hopeful that we can find out his whereabout."