After quelling the fire, Ariana finally comprehended the close call they had just dodged. Her strength waned, causing the fire extinguisher to slip from her grasp, and she collapsed to the floor, shaking uncontrollably.

“Mommy..." Melon's voice quivered as he called out, tears in his eyes.

Ariana raised her gaze, tears unwillingly streaming down her face, and she drew Melon close, chastising him amidst her weeping.

Melon fought back his tears, grasping the gravity of his error, his eyes turning reddened. He hugged Ariana, admitting, "Mommy, I'm so sorry."

Ariana perceived the resemblance in his eyes to Theodore's, and despite her anger, she couldn't muster the heart to prolong his punishment. She held him tightly, sobbing, “Do you realize how scared you made Mommy?"