---

The mall was packed with families wandering from store to store. While Maki stepped into the restroom, Yuji stayed outside with their eleven-year-old daughter, Arianna.

At first, everything was fine...

Until Arianna stopped dead in front of a toy store.

"Dad!!"

Yuji looked over to see her pointing excitedly at a giant white bunny plush sitting on the top shelf.

"I need it!"

Yuji smiled sheepishly. "It's cute, huh?"

"Can we buy it? Please?"

His smile faded.

"...Not today, Ari."

"What?"

"We're saving money, remember? Mom and I are trying to buy a house... and a new car."

"It's just one plushie!"

"I know."

"So buy it!"

Yuji shook his head gently.

"I can't."

Arianna's face immediately scrunched up.

"You always say yes!"

"I used to."

"Then why not now?!"

"Because some things are more important right now."

"No they're not!"

Her voice echoed through the mall.

"I WANT IT!"

Several people glanced over.

Yuji sighed, trying to stay patient.

"Ari, lower your voice."

"No!" she shouted, tears spilling down her cheeks. "You're so mean!"

She stomped her foot hard enough to make nearby shoppers stop walking.

"I hate saving money! I hate houses! I want my plushie!"

Yuji pinched the bridge of his nose for a second before kneeling in front of her.

"I know you're upset."

"No you don't!"

"You don't love me anymore!"

Those words hit him like a truck.

His expression dropped.

"...Ari."

"If you loved me, you'd buy it!"

Yuji looked completely speechless.

People had begun whispering as they watched the scene unfold.

Just then, Maki stepped out of the restroom...

Yuji looked up the moment he spotted her, looking both exhausted and helpless.

"...She's been asking for the plushie."

He let out a quiet sigh.

"And... this happened."

Arianna stood there with her arms crossed, cheeks red from crying, stubbornly refusing to look at either of her parents.

The giant bunny plush remained behind the toy store window, untouched.

---