“I appreciate that. However, this matter must only be between him and me.”

She nodded. “I understand, good sir. But aside from that, I can’t help you more than that. I’m not quite sure when he will return.”

I sweated quicker as my heart raced. On the inside, I was in utter panic. I couldn’t let the other servants know that one of them had been taken. It would cause even more panic. And I knew Grandpa Ben wouldn't be happy with this news. But he has to know.

In the midst of panic, a voice spoke my name, “Robert?”

I turned to the door and Grandpa Ben arrived with a basket on one arm. His cane was on his other arm, supporting his weight.

“Grandpa Ben,” I called as I approached him along with the servant

“Finally, you returned,” he smiled as he met us. He handed the basket to the woman, “Here you go, Susan. My apologies if it took so long. The merchant tried to squeeze a lot more from me so it took a bit more convincing.”

“That’s understandable, Grandpa Ben,” she smiled as she hung the basket on her arm. She gestured to me and added, “Also, this young man has been looking for you.”

“Thank you for keeping him company. I’ll take care of everything from here,” he answered.

Susan nodded to us and proceeded to the kitchen.

“As I was saying, I’m happy you’re back. How did it go?” he continued our conversation.

“Grandpa Ben, I have something to tell you,” I moved closer.

His brows furrowed. “This conversation seems to be too serious. I’ll have Laura prepare something for us,” he said as he looked around. My eyes widened, knowing he was looking for her. “Hm, I don’t see Laura anywhere,” he continued to scan the room.

“Grandpa Ben--”

His eyes met mine. “Where’s Laura? Didn’t you return with her?”

“What I must tell you is about her,” I replied.

“What do you mean? Where is she?” he asked again. Panic grew within his tone.

“It would be best if we discussed it outside.”

He stayed silent, unmoved. His eyes searched and waited for answers.

Gently, I held onto his arm in an attempt to calm him down. “I will explain everything outside, Grandpa Ben,” I said, not lifting my gaze upon him.

Hesitation remained on his face. I would gladly explain everything right where we’re standing. But I didn’t want a possible outburst from Grandpa Ben. I didn’t want anyone else to know about my current dilemma. And I didn’t need too much attention on me right now.

The last thing I would want to happen was for Laura’s abduction to be the source of gossip within the bakery.

He shrugged as he gave in to my request. I was relieved for a moment as he headed to the door. With my hands supporting him, we headed to the bench where Wonder remained.

“Ah, is this your new champion?” Grandpa Ben cracked a smile, pointing at Wonder.

“Uh, yes, Grandpa Ben,” I said as we approached the bench. Carefully, I assisted him down on the bench. “We named her Wonder.”

“Well, you made a good choice, son,” he marveled at Wonder as he continued to look at her. “Anyways, what is it that you wanted to talk about?” he repeated, turning to me. “And where’s Laura?”

The moment has come, Robert. He has to know what happened to her.

Acknowledging the fact that now’s the right time to explain Laura’s absence, for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. My mind, my lips, my body knew what I should do, what I should say. But I didn’t have the courage to tell him the truth. The brave, the honest, the man that I know that I am - a man of honour - faded away like dust. I was being blown to the air, helpless and waiting to see where the wind would take me.

Perhaps, it was the fear of disappointing Grandpa Ben. The feeling of guilt as well for I knew he trusted me with Laura and I made a promise that nothing bad would happen to his beloved Laura.

Now that she’s in danger, I had no one else to blame but myself. I knew I made a few enemies but I didn’t do anything to secure her safety.

“Robert?” Grandpa Ben awoke me back to reality.

I shook my head and blinked thrice before I looked up to him.

“You haven’t answered my question yet,” he continued, putting his cane in between his legs. His hands rested on top of it. “Where’s Laura? Why didn’t you return with her?”

“Oh,” I cleared my throat, shifting my body towards him, “Of course.” In my mind, my other self slapped me hard at the back of my head. Absolutely frustrated that I kept prolonging the agony by short replies. I was about to answer when Grandpa Ben interrupted my thoughts.

He asked, “Did you have another argument?”

I looked up at him, eyes widened.

He smirked as he continued, “I knew it.”

“I don’t understand, Grandpa Ben,” my voice finally let out a coherent sentence.

He threw his head back, chuckling. “You don’t have to hide it from me, Robert. I know, fully well, what happens when the two of you argue,” he continued, giving his cane a bit of a twist.

Now, I was even more baffled. I didn’t understand what he meant by that question.

“Isn’t that what happened?” he asked another.

“Pardon?”

“You argued and Laura went somewhere you can’t find her so she can have some time to think. Am I correct?” he added, turning to me. “Or did something else happen?”

My eyes widened even more. He thought Laura wasn’t with me because we had a disagreement.