Walter walked slowly, battered from an earlier confrontation against Seth. His son, Quad, followed close behind, who was cooling off from breaking up the fight. Neither spoke as they walked.

Quad stopped and watched his father walk away into the birch forest. He lowered his head, wishing he could help his father but knew he just wanted to be left alone. Quad knew he was strong, but the fight was unbearable for him to watch. He knew he could never be as persistent as Walter, and he knew he could never fill his father's hoofs.