Gustav and Terek walked side by side through the village streets.
Most of the villagers had already returned to their homes. The few people still outside were workers making their way back after a long and productive day.
For a while, neither brother spoke.
Then Terek raised a hand and pointed ahead.
"Do you remember that tree, Brother?" he asked, breaking the silence. "The one I got stuck in?"
A nostalgic smile appeared on his face.
"I was so afraid of climbing down that I stayed up there the entire day, crying for help."
Gustav let out a faint chuckle.
"And when I arrived, I guided you down instead of carrying you."
He rubbed the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly.
"I was quite a harsh brother back then, wasn't I?"
"Well, you were rough and strict," Terek admitted. "But your way of teaching helped me become who I am today."
There was unmistakable pride in his voice.
