His intense glare slashed through her soul like a jagged lightning bolt destroying a tree. The strained silence kept her prisoner despite her mind yelling to run. "Women," he finally grumbled and left.
"Men," Megan growled as she picked up a handful of rocks. While skimming stones in the River of Hope, thoughts of Colby crashed around her. "He's stubborn and prideful. Some day… Ooh-forget it." She threw the stones into the water. "It's his choice." As the rocks settled on the bottom, so did Megan's hope of reuniting Colby and Gray Cloud.
"Megan, child, have you seen my grandson?" Gray Cloud asked.
How to face the man without adding further disappointment, Megan wondered. With a sigh, she turned; amazed to see her friend's crooked body standing straight. Light shone in his eyes. She found an inner strength to move forward. "Yes, Colby was here, but he left. Forgive me for messing things up."
"It's okay," he said, tapping her hand. His eyes closed as he tilted his head towards the sky. Quiet radiated throughout the area. When Gray Cloud opened his eyes, youthful exuberance filled his features. "My grandson did not forget how to read the wind. Oh, he'll never let on and encourage this old man, but he remembers. I hope he visits soon and sees I do not hold a grudge for the past. Sometimes we have to move away from our families, our security blankets, and see the world. See what we are made of. It is not easy, but it is something we have to do."
Megan shoved her hands into her front jean pockets and ground the boot heel into the grass. To help put the pieces into place, she needed information. Would Gray Cloud offer an explanation or would he turn the tables, making her uncover the truth? After taking a deep breath she blurted, "Why is there distance between you and Colby?"
"A few years ago I asked my grandson to dance in the Pow-Wow with me."
A stunned expression kept Megan's thoughts private. Just like the past, she thought. Why does the idea of dancing at a Pow-Wow aggravate him? What am I missing? she wondered. "I'm confused," she said, shaking her head. "Dancing at a Pow-Wow sounds fun. Why is Colby making a big deal about it?"
Gray Cloud chuckled. "A Pow-Wow is more than a dance. Let me explain at the campfire. This is a story all must hear. As for Colby, I do not know his reasons. He refuses to explain his actions, saying an old man cannot understand the ways of the young man. Was I not young once, too? Sometimes I think my grandsons believe I was born this age."