Sleepy Fox Hollow the universe offers a paradox too great for the finite mind to grasp

Siku asked about his mother—if Kallik knew she had left to find him. He knew and he hated it. He hated that Aquene had felt the need to come look for him and that his sons had left Mereo. They hadn't had the stability of a whole family in the most important time of their young lives. He should have been there to teach and support them. But he hadn't been, and he would never forgive himself. 

He was surprised to hear that the twins had wanted a better place than Mereo. Siku said it was awful there, and Kallik assumed it was because they were without their father. Mereo was probably a painful reminder of what they had lost. And with Aquene gone, they probably felt abandoned. The words his son had offered hinted at the turmoil he felt inside. Kallik wanted to go to him, but he was worried it would send his son running from him. 

Yes, I know she left. But she has returned. Your mother and I are back in Mereo. He wanted to promise that he wouldn't leave Siku again, but the words died in his throat; they would probably be empty words to his son. Kallik would need to prove he was here to stay with his actions. What has turned you against your home? Kallik asked carefully. Why did they not have the same loyalty to the canyon that Kallik and Aquene had?