“Daddy, has it been a while since you called Mommy? Why does it feel so distant between you two? On TV, parents call each other honey, daring, sweetheart, something Like that."

Melon was incredibly perceptive. After speaking, he gazed expectantly at Ariana.

Feeling somewhat cornered by his intense stare, she reluctantly summoned the courage to awkwardly mutter, “Darling.”

After a brief pause, a soft chuckle came from the other end.

“Baby, I'm listening."

Hearing that voice made Ariana's heart race, even as a tinge of sadness welled up within her.

The voice bore an uncanny resemblance to Theodore's, making her feel as though she was talking to Theodore through Melon.

Shaking off her confusion with a discreet pinch, Ariana managed to regain her composure.

Seeming pleased, Melon asked his father, “Daddy, are you busy at the border? Is it dangerous there?"

Holden responded gently, “I'm busy, but it's not too dangerous. Don't worry about me, Melon. I usually can't use the phone, but I managed to get some time off today."

Clutching the phone, Melon couldn't contain his excitement.

"You've been away from us for five years, Daddy. You should get a longer break now. Can you call us every day?" His voice quivered with joy and expectation.

After a moment's hesitation, Holden said, “I'll call whenever possible."

“Yay! Daddy is the best!" Melon cheered, gripping the phone tightly.

His curiosity piqued, Melon asked, "What's it like at the border, Daddy? Can you describe it?"

Smiling, Holden began, "Well, it's a bit remote, and getting here can be challenging. But the scenery is beautiful." As he spoke, Holden browsed the web for some images of the border to share later.

“Do you miss Mommy and me?" Melon probed further.

"Absolutely, I miss you both all the time." Holden's voice was warm.

He could almost visualize Melon's expression at that moment.

"Then Daddy, when you come back, I'll take you out to play. Mommy and I will take you to the amusement park. It'll be so much fun!"