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"Wow… what a rich guy," Ariel exclaimed, practically bouncing as she hurried home to tell her mother.
"Mother, you won't believe what happened today!" she gushed, eyes sparkling with excitement.
Lily placed a steaming bowl of soup in front of her daughter, smiling. "Seriously? Can't wait to hear it. I know you crushed those questions, my baby."
"Trust me, Mom," Ariel said eagerly, leaning in closer. "But… you wouldn't believe how many students sat for the exam. It was insane."
"Remember, Ariel, not everyone is writing under scholarship, like you," Lily reminded gently.
"Yeah, I'm so lucky to have this chance," Ariel admitted, grinning.
Lily smiled softly. "Of course, my lovely girl. I'm blessed to have you." They shared a warm smile.
Ariel's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Well, Mom… there's this cute rich guy I met today."
Lily's face hardened instantly, her smile vanishing. "A guy? You said… a guy?"
"Don't give me that look, Mom! He's cute, kind, rich, and intelligent," Ariel said, blushing fiercely.
"He?" Lily asked again, her voice tense.
"Yes, Mom. He," Ariel confirmed with a small smile.
Lily shook her head, worry etching her features. "Ariel… men aren't as good as you think."
"I know, Mom… but not all men are the same," Ariel replied softly.
"There are things you don't understand, sweetie," Lily warned.
"What could I possibly not understand, Mom?"
Lily sighed and focused on the soup. "Men… are heartless."
"But not all men are, Mom," Ariel countered, confused.
Lily's voice rose. "What do you know about men?"
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she continued, "Your father… he left me for another woman. Can't you see? Men can't be trusted."
Ariel froze, her heart sinking. "But… you told me he passed away when I was a baby. Why didn't you tell me the truth?"
Lily collapsed onto the couch, sobbing. "Because… I never wanted you to know how cruel he really was."
Ariel's cheeks flushed, tears spilling down as she wrapped her arms around her mother. "I'm so sorry, Mom," she whispered, crying alongside her.
"No, baby. It's not your fault. Don't ever say sorry. I just… I just didn't want you to face someone like him," Lily murmured, running her fingers through Ariel's hair. "But you have me, and I will make sure you lack nothing."
Ariel pressed close. "Thanks, Mom. I love you."
"I love you more, sweetheart."
They stayed like that, holding each other, as the light slowly faded from the room.
---
The next morning, at eight o'clock, Ariel lay in bed, still asleep. Lily slipped in, kissed her forehead, and left quietly.
When Ariel awoke, the house was empty. She sighed.
"As lonely as always," she whispered, making her way to the kitchen. She poured a glass of water, ate her breakfast in silence, then headed to the bathroom for a quick bath.
Dressed in a crisp blue jean and soft pink blouse, Ariel was about to leave when a sudden memory stopped her. She turned back, only for a loud BANG to erupt at the front door.
Startled, she spun around to see her mother standing there, panic etched across her face, struggling to hold the door.
"Mom!!" Ariel shouted, rushing forward.
"Shh… be quiet," Lily hissed, eyes darting nervously.
"What's going on?" Ariel demanded.
"Quickly… follow me," Lily whispered urgently, dragging her daughter's hand.
"Mom, stop scaring me—just tell me what's happening!" Ariel cried.
"We have to go… now!" Lily snapped, just as a flying object smashed their window.
"Oh my God! Who are they?!" Ariel screamed.
"They're here," Lily said, her voice trembling. She grabbed Ariel's hand and bolted, weaving through the neighborhood into the dense forest beyond.
Ariel panted, struggling to keep up. "Wait, Mom!"
"No time!" Lily shouted over her shoulder. "They're fast, and they're dangerous."
"Creatures?!" Ariel gasped.
"Yes… monstrous, evil hybrids," Lily explained.
"But… you said they don't exist!" Ariel stammered, fear tightening her throat.
"I thought so… until now," Lily admitted grimly. "Look!"
Ariel turned—and screamed. Horrible, grotesque creatures surged toward them, snarling and drooling, muscles rippling unnaturally as they sprinted.
"Why are they after us?!" Ariel cried.
"They want us," Lily said grimly. "Run!"
"What? No, Mom!"
"You have to go! Head to your uncle's house in the next town. I'll meet you there. I will protect you," Lily said fiercely.
"Not without you!" Ariel shouted, panic-stricken.
Lily's heart ached, but she knew there was no choice. "If I don't do this, they'll catch you. And I won't let that happen," she said softly, tears streaming.
"Mom, no! Please!" Ariel begged, voice cracking.
"I've sworn to protect you with my life. Whatever happens… stay strong, do exactly as I say. I love you!"
"Mom! What do you mean?!" Ariel's voice was choked with sobs.
"They're almost here… I'm sorry, my princess," Lily whispered, her hands glowing with magic.
Before Ariel could react, she felt her body freeze, paralyzed by her mother's spell. Lily gently lifted her and hid her behind a thick tree, heart breaking with every step away.
"I'm so sorry, sweetie… I have to do this," Lily whispered, her voice trembling. She turned and ran straight toward the beasts.
"No… Mom! NOOOO!!!" Ariel screamed, waking with a start, tears streaming down her face, trembling from the nightmare.