[Maria hums, thinking a moment as she stares up at the ceiling of the Lodge, thinking back on times when either she or even Shadow did something...not all that smart, and Gerald had to scold them about it (because they are both rambunctious and stupid kids, let's be real here). He was very clearly upset, exasperated, and...tired, a lot of the time. He never outright called them stupid, heavens - he would never, but the good Doctor definitely let them both know their actions were "unwise".]

...I think I understand better now, a little bit. But I still can't agree with calling them something hurtful, even if you don't really mean it. There are other ways of teaching them to, um...be a little smarter about what they do, a-at least that's what I believe. [She fidgets a little bit, sniffling and shifting in her blankets while looking down.] I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be argumentative. You're strict because you clearly care very deeply, and that's what matters most.