"It's all secret stuff. Daddy's one of those secret military guys, and during his missions, he can't call us. Today, Mommy revealed this secret, and now you're in on it too, okay?" Ariana softly spoke, wiggling her pinky finger in front of Melon.

“Let's pinky promise."

Melon looked at her and asked, "When's Daddy going to be able to call?"

Ariana met his eager gaze and paused for a second before saying, "As soon as he gets a break."

“But when's that?" Melon gripped Ariana's sleeve, hope in his eyes.

“Maybe a bit later." Ariana didn't want to see his hope deflate, so she kept it vague.

But just like that, Melon's hope turned into a big grin, and he clasped Ariana's fingers, wiping away his tears.

“Really? Pinky swear."

Ariana let out a bittersweet chuckle and ruffled Melon's hair.

"Alright, let's go. We don't want to worry your godmother."

Just as she said that, she realized the pendant on her bracelet was missing. The one Theodore gave her ages ago.

Ariana got all flustered, searching everywhere. It felt Like she lost a part of herself.

She looked around and in all her pockets, but couldn't find it.

Squatting down, Ariana tried to remember where she might've lost it, but nothing was clicking. Then a thought hit her - did she leave it in the cruise ship cabin the previous night?

Seeing Ariana looking all flustered, Melon grabbed her hand, concerned.

"Mommy, what's wrong?"

Ariana forced a deep breath and shook her head.

"No, nothing. Let's head back." She stood up, holding Melon's hand, and walked back to the car.

When they got to the car, Ariana opened the door and was met with Sonia touching up her makeup.

Sonia put down the mirror and said, "Hey, can you drop me off at the office later?"