Once Sadie was gone, the buzz began. “Must be nice, right? Having someone influential in your corner changes everything."

“And with that attitude! But, hey, tying the knot with a Fredrick?

That's hitting the jackpot."

Ariana was nearby, absorbing every word. The idea of Holden with Sadie stirred a whirlpool of feelings inside her.

It felt like she was caught in a never-ending loop. She knew deep down she should steer clear of Holden, no matter how much he reminded her of Theodore.

Theodore was his own person, and so was Holden.

Yet, even knowing that, every mention of Holden drew her attention, like a moth to a flame.

Shaking her head, Ariana mentally told herself to snap out of it.

With Holden's wedding around the corner, both of them were starting new journeys. She needed to focus on her own path ahead.

In the afternoon, Ariana and Mitchel snuck away with Melon to check out a local kindergarten.

Having made up their minds to make Eleymond their home again, they knew they couldn't overlook Melon's schooling.

They had checked out quite a few decent kindergartens in the past.

In the end, they settled on the nearest one. Melon was set to start there in a week.

When he was in Melcorn, Melon had missed out on kindergarten because of his health, spending more days in hospitals. He didn't have many friends. So now, the idea of school was new and exciting to him.

Heading home, Melon was buzzing with excitement, peppering both Mitchel and Ariana with questions. "So, does this mean I'll be making some new buddies soon?"

Ariana, grinning, answered, “Absolutely! Kindergarten's a bit like summer camp. You'll be running around with all your new pals."

Melon, eyes sparkling, tugged on Mitchel's arm, saying, "Is school fun? Are there games that everyone plays?"

Mitchel grinned at him. "You'll not only play with other kids but also with the teachers. The teachers will also teach you many stuff."

Melon's eyes went wide. "Like what? What will the teachers teach me?"

"ALL sorts of things," Mitchel began, playfully messing up Melon's hair. "And when you pick up something new, you can come back and share it with Mom."