She doesn't quite see the words coming, considering Madoka's thoughts are still much too caught up in seashells and all, but the surprise doesn't last for more than a slight moment. She kind of gets it, after all. Even though he's never been the type to talk much about it, Ignis must be having so much pain right now. And of course even trying to do something fun together could never fully distract him from that. Madoka knows.

So she allows herself to be held close, leaning into the hold but remaining quiet for a moment. Madoka really wishes she knew the right things to say now. If only there was something that could make it all better.

But she knows she has to at least try. Even if she can't cheer up her papa entirely, the least she can do is try and be there for him during this difficult time.

"Of course I wouldn't forget," she softly replies. After all, even when Ignis had disappeared suddenly during the last mission, she had told Tony that he'd be back. Even though she hadn't been sure about it, she had held out hope the whole time. And she's not sure how much hope there is right now that things may ever go back to normal.. she still wants to reassure him. "But.. papa, you know you aren't alone though either, right? I'm here with you." Madoka smiles, a bit more softly yet more fondly than the beaming smile from a moment ago. "You don't ever have to be lonely as long as I'm here. That's what family is for."