In the arcade of a commercial street, Theo disappeared while Maeve went to the washroom. He likely couldn't resist playing the arcade games. Maeve wasn't worried about him getting lost or kidnapped; she believed his cleverness would protect him.

She spotted a small figure at the claw machine. Seeing only the back of a boy's head (covered by a cap), his denim jacket, and black pants, she recognized him instantly: her son. A pile of won dolls lay at his feet, attracting envious glances from passersby.

"Little kid, you caught so many dolls! Can you sell us two?" a couple asked.

Will, his expression cold, stared straight ahead at the claw machine. "I'm not selling them," he replied.

Before he'd even finished speaking, someone grabbed his collar.

"My baby, when did you get so good at this?" Maeve bent down, a warm smile on her lips. "Any for me?"

Will, frowning uncomfortably, dodged her and walked away, ignoring the dolls. Maeve's smile faltered. Was he angry? She called out, "My baby?", but Will quickened his pace, seemingly avoiding her. Confused, Maeve wondered if he was playing a game of tag.

As she pondered this, Will bumped into an adult, causing a nearby six-and-a-half-foot robot to topple toward him. Maeve reacted instantly, grabbing Will and pulling him out of the way just as the robot's arm brushed her waist.

Will's mind blanked for a moment. He nestled into Maeve's arms, blinking slowly. Maeve hugged him tightly, anxious and worried. "My baby, are you okay? Were you hurt?"

Will pushed her away slightly, saying calmly, "I'm fine."

"Really? You can't lie to Mommy," Maeve insisted, her eyes slightly red from worry.

Will frowned; he didn't have a mommy. Yet, her gaze enveloped him in warmth, relaxing him and filling him with a strange, unfamiliar feeling—neither dislike nor hate. He pursed his lips. "Yes."

Relieved, Maeve said, "I'm glad. Mommy was scared."

"You've got the wrong person. I'm not your son," Will corrected.

Maeve laughed, giving him a peck on the cheek. "What a joke! I'd never mistake my son."

Will's face flushed red. He covered his cheek. How could she kiss me? he thought.

Maeve ruffled his head. "Alright, didn't you want to go to McDonald's? Let's go."

The mention of McDonald's startled him. He'd heard that parents took children there for good grades—something his father had never done. He couldn't refuse, however. "Alright."

At McDonald's, Maeve ordered several items. "There are new things; let's try them," she said, placing a napkin under Will to prevent ketchup stains. He resisted, but she insisted gently. "I just want to help."

"I can manage," Will mumbled.

"My child is still a baby," Maeve replied, smiling. His ears reddened.

"My baby, why aren't you eating?" she asked, noticing his inactivity. Theo usually loved McDonald's.

Will shook his head. "It's junk food."

Maeve chuckled. Has Theo learned to argue? she thought. She then cleverly used Theo's usual defense: "It's alright. As long as you enjoy it, it's fine once in a while."

He hesitated, then, under her amused gaze, put on gloves and ate the fries, demonstrating impeccable table manners.

Maeve felt a strange feeling. The Theo before her seemed different. Then, she saw a hint of joy on his face—he seemed to enjoy the fries. The strangeness disappeared.

Whose child could this be if not mine? she mused.

"Does it taste good?" she asked, offering a ketchup-dipped fry. Will politely accepted. Maeve continued feeding him, enjoying the moment. Perhaps because of this, Will found the junk food more palatable.

"Are you still in pain?" Will suddenly asked, referring to Maeve's injury. She was surprised he noticed, wondering if this explained his subdued demeanor.

(Note: The final sentence about FindNovel.net is an advertisement and has been retained.)