The Euphoria of Dust:

Think about the story. Why does the narrator hide from the foragers in the cave?

The narrator fears they will steal the backpack containing the shattered soul orb pieces.
The narrator knows they will return to the settlement and tell the elders about the backpack.
The narrator fears they will react violently at the sight of someone with a broken soul orb.
The narrator knows they will smother the fire and take away its needed warmth.

1 answer

In "The Euphoria of Dust," the narrator hides from the foragers in the cave primarily because they fear that the foragers will steal the backpack containing the shattered soul orb pieces. The significance of the shattered soul orb is likely tied to its power or value, making it crucial for the narrator to protect it from falling into the wrong hands. The act of hiding demonstrates the narrator's anxiety about the potential consequences of being discovered, including not only the loss of the orb but also the possible chaos or danger that could ensue if others were to learn of its existence.