Ariana wondered if he was avoiding her following the unsettling incident, or perhaps he was engrossed in probing the recent fire. Either way, for the ensuing days, only Horace and Judy were at her side.

In the wake of Theodore's unexpected episode, an unspoken consensus emerged among Ariana and the others to steer clear of that topic. Ariana didn't bring up any questions about Marley or Helen either.

Her focus, instead, was on her impending ankle surgery and recovery. She kept her mind from wandering and concentrated on her health.

Mitchel was in charge of the surgical plan. The procedure went remarkably well. It was so seamless that Ariana barely noticed when it was over.

It was a success, much to the delight of both Judy and Horace, and Ariana, too, could breathe a little easier.