Sarah then turned to Ariana, her eyes full of curiosity.

“What about you? What are your plans?"

"Guess what? I've recently thrown my hat into the ring for a variety show, stepping onto the stage as a representative of the management company, scouting amateur artists. I'll stay in Eleymond at least until the curtains fall on this show."

“I know the show. It's BRD Group-organized, right? The winning management business goes to BRD's yearly big IP production," Betsy exclaimed.

"As luck would have it, I happen to be acquainted with a couple of pals who've got their fingers in the pie of organizing this very show. I'll be sure to take a look and get back to you," one of the newfound comrades pledged.

Sarah chimed in, "That's right, Ariana. Let Alena give you a hand in delving into the details. And if there's a chance for me to pitch in, don't hesitate to give a shout.”

“Truly, your kind offers warm my heart," Ariana responded with genuine gratitude.

"But worry not, I've got this well in hand.”

“You sure you do not need our help? We're all ears, no need to stand on ceremony," Sarah pressed.

Ariana shook her head, her smile unwavering.

“It's not a matter of politeness, believe me. If I find myself navigating turbulent waters, you'll be the first I turn to."

"Well, fair enough."

Their banter continued, mingling seamlessly with the flavors of their shared meal.

As the evening wore on and drinks flowed, Ariana hailed a taxi to take her home after the gathering. However, the villa complex's regulations posed an obstacle, barring the entry of taxis inside.

Undaunted, she hoisted Melon upon her back and walked the short distance, a mere hundred meters or so.

As Melon nestled against her shoulder, he spoke with innocence,

"Mommy, oh Mommy, why do the stars seem so few tonight? Could it be cloudy tomorrow? Mommy, can we whip up my all-time favorite strawberry pie tomorrow? And how about we continue the saga of the little raccoon tonight?"

An unbroken chain of whys tumbled from Melon's lips, and Ariana answered each with unwavering patience.

Amidst this, Melon threw a curveball, "Mommy, how many days have gone by? When will Daddy call us? It's been an eternity!"

Ariana lapsed into silence briefly, conjuring up a reassuring smile as she responded, "In a tick, baby."

But appeasing Melon was no mean feat, and he pressed on, “What in the world does in a tick mean, Mommy?"

“Give him a few more days," Ariana's tone revealed a tinge of helplessness.

“Just a bit longer, and Daddy will be giving you a call."

Saying this, she ruminated over finding a fresh and permanent approach to tackle this situation.

Melon's next question threw her for a loop, “What's Daddy's digits?

I want to memorize them to recognize them when they flash on the screen."

Ariana hesitated for a moment, mulling over the pros and cons. Not telling him could raise suspicion, and it wouldn't hurt for him to have the number. With that, she recited the phone number Theodore used.

Stride by stride, parent and child repeated the sequence of numbers on their way home.

Soon, they reached the house, and Melon scampered off to freshen up on his own.

Fatigued, Ariana took a shower before attending to a few professional errands.

With most of the tasks squared away, Ariana realized Melon hadn't come out yet.

He'd typically be done washing up and glued to her side by now. But an eerie stillness prevailed instead.

Ariana ventured into Melon's room and peeked in, only to find him softly weeping under the covers.

“What's the matter, sweetheart?" Ariana hastened over, lifting the blanket and uncovering a teary-eyed Melon clutching the Landline phone.