Realizing that they were outmatched, the remaining bandit turned and fled into the forest, his footsteps echoing in the silence that followed.

With the danger passed, the woman turned her attention back to the old man. She helped him sit up, gently brushing the dirt from his face. “Are you alright?” she asked, her voice now soft and reassuring.

He nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice trembling with relief. “I thought… I thought they were going to…”

The woman smiled gently, helping him to his feet. “You’re safe now,” she assured him. “Let’s get you home.”

As they walked through the trees, the forest gradually swallowed the evidence of the confrontation, leaving behind only the rustle of leaves and the distant call of a bird. The old man leaned on her for support, his steps growing steadier with each passing moment.

In the end, the bandits had learned a valuable lesson about underestimating their prey—sometimes, appearances were not just deceiving, but downright dangerous.