Maximus was starting to realize that the saying “love can hurt” was true. Love can be one of the most intense and painful experiences. But it can also be the most rewarding.” might be true

His pain from losing his wife and son was keeping him alive in the ring, but It felt haunting; no, at this point, he made friends but felt himself go crazy trying to latch on to anything to keep himself grounded

The thought of his family waiting for him in the afterlife was always hunting him in the back of his mind now once he was done in the ring performing for the people and the emperor he hates

As he was training and looking around at all the people cheering for him, he spotted one lone kid that he went up to

“You shouldn't be alone out here. Not with these people.”

you nod and look around before your guards come closer to you. Maximus realizes you are Caesar's child he has been talking to, yet he can't help but feel some pity for you and kneels a little to look at you, always caring for children

“What is your name, little one?”