Please, stop screaming."

But Ariana's panic drowned out any semblance of reason. Holding Melon, her eyes clenched shut, their cries continued unabated.

Suddenly, with a click, the room was bathed in Light.

Yet, the screams persisted.

Someone then hurried over, giving Ariana a brisk shake. Recognizing Ariana, the person's voice dripped with both astonishment and relief.

“Madam! It's you!"

Hearing a voice she recognized, Ariana's screams faded to silence.

She opened an eye tentatively. The lights were on. She sharpened her focus and recognized Judy standing there.

Bewildered, Ariana took a moment before reacting. Her gaze landed on the stairs, and there stood an older man. It was Rodney.

So, no monsters or ghosts.

Gathering herself, Ariana stood, still clutching Melon, and greeted them.

Melon, his eyes still glistening with fresh tears, seemed lost. He simply echoed Ariana's greeting, looking rather pitiful.

Judy's eyes landed on Melon, and her heart melted. The child, all rosy cheeks and innocence, was clearly related to Theodore.

Unable to resist, Judy asked, "Can I hold him?"

“Sure thing." With a smile, Ariana passed Melon to Judy. Holding Melon close, Judy gently dried his tears, murmuring comforting words.

Rodney's throaty cough stole everyone's attention. With a pointed look at Judy, he asked, “Do the two of you have a history?"

Judy replied, "Yeah, Miss Edwards used to be my boss before."

Rodney responded with a simple nod and didn't press further.

He was aware Judy once worked for the Anderson family and had caught wind of the drama they faced five years back.

The Anderson family had hit rock bottom, and Rodney wasn't keen on drudging up those heavy memories.