(please point out any mistakes you see in a review.)

Why They Stopped

They realized he could not have forgotten about them when he left.

They realized he would have told them if he wanted company on his trip.

They realized that, for whatever reason, he did not want them coming along on his adventure.

They didn't know why he wanted solitude, but they knew to stop trying to follow him

They tried to pass the time until his return. They acted the same as always, although without much enthusiasm.

They waited for a year, until they grew too worried to pretend anymore.

What if he was hurt?

They had to find out.