After spending some time there, she wiped away her tears and left a bouquet of flowers as a final gesture. Then she took her leave.

As she was leaving the cemetery, she heard Sonia's voice calling out, "Ariana!"

Turning around, she saw Sonia hurrying towards her.

"You returned to the country without informing me. I could have picked you up," Sonia said with concern.

Ariana embraced her friend with a smile and explained, "I just wanted to come and see him first, so I wouldn't keep you waiting too long.”

Sonia sighed, feeling sympathetic, and asked, “It's been five years. Haven't you moved on?"

Ariana let out a heavy sigh and shook her head, a bitter smile playing on her lips.

“How could I forget?" Her voice carried the weight of sadness.

Sonia couldn't help but feel sorrowful for her. She changed the topic as they walked to the car.

"So, how long are you planning to stay this time?"

Ariana took a moment to collect her thoughts, and then shook her head with a sigh.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. All I wanted was to return here. As for how long I'll stay, it all depends on how things unfold."

As they drove away from the cemetery, Sonia's eyes fell on Ariana's luggage. Curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, “By the way, where is your son? You didn't bring him to pay respects?"

Ariana gently shook her head in response.

“No, Melon's not feeling well. I've always told him that his father is a hero who had to go far away but promised to return on his eighth birthday."

The memory of her son's innocent questions about his father filled Ariana's heart with sadness.

Death was a tough topic to broach with a child, so she decided it would be best not to bring him along this time and to tell him the truth when he was older.

“Ah, is he safe alone at home?" Sonia inquired.

“He's fine. Mitchel is with him," Ariana responded.

At the mention of Mitchel, Sonia couldn't help but let out a sigh.