Holden hesitated. He was about to say goodnight, but now he held back. He listened intently, curious about the unexpected interruption.

A few silent beats passed before a drowsy female voice said, “Apologies, Melon borrowed my phone to ring you. Is it too late? Did we wake you?"

Hearing her voice, something inside Holden fluttered momentarily.

He brushed it off and replied, "It's alright. I'm fond of Melon. If it makes him happy, that's what counts."

There was a gentleness in Holden's voice that he didn't even recognize.