[ Well, it's part tenderness, part practicality - it'd be much more difficult to carry a crying, hysterical child back home. And now that the child is satiated, they can focus on going home safe and sound. ]

A small infection is a fine price to pay in order to get the boy home quicker. Don't mind me, focus on what must be done ahead. I'll be behind you sure enough.

[ And up she begins to climb! ]