Belle took a deep breath at her father's words. His worry made her feel a little guilty, and the idea of losing her father one day was not a pleasant one. The girl sighed and thought for a moment. "I do not want to be alone, father. But I do not want to be with Gaston, either", she explained, not as certain of her ideas as before.<br/><br/>Leaning over for her father to kiss her, Belle kissed him back and listened to him. "Very well, father. I shall be sure to tell anyone who comes looking for you to come back tomorrow, or the day after, and will take note of whatever they request." She stood up and helped the man with his jacked, lovingly. "Be careful, father. If you can, bring me some blue ribbons, will you? But only if they are not expensive."<br/><br/>With this request, Belle followed her father to the door to see him off. Only when she could no longer see the wagon did the girl get back inside. She had her breakfast in the quiet room and started taking care of housework. The kitchen was cleaned and a fire lit to warm the house, clothes were washed, and Belle was sewing when she heard noise outside. Jumping from her seat, she ran to the front of the house to see the terrified mare and the empty wagon.<br/><br/>Feeling her heart sink, she tried to calm the mare first, which took her some time. The poor animal was completely terrified, in a way she had never seen. The emptied wagon and the absence of her father made the girl really scared. After tying the mare, Belle took a cloak and took the risk of going out, even though it was now snowing heavily. "Father!", she screamed, at every few yards, her heart sinking every time she got no answer.