"Daddy, when are you coming back?" Melon's voice grew muffled, and distress colored his words.

"The other kids at the camp, they all have fathers, and they mock me, saying I don't have one!"

Holden, attuned to the slight tremor in Melon's voice, felt his heartstrings tug. Seeking to console the youngster, he said, “Daddy shall return soon. He is here with you."

With a skillful touch, Holden succeeded in mollifying Melon's unease, concluding the call with a heavy heart.

Listening to this exchange, Devin found himself in a befuddled state of mind. Apart from Adele, who was this child calling him Daddy? And it appeared that Holden had grown quite accustomed to it.

After ending the call, Holden sank into a chair, lost in contemplation, his face contorted.

Devin looked at the time and remarked, "Sir, ‘tis time to prepare for the impending meeting."

Startled from his reverie, Holden donned his coat, his countenance burdened with concern, as he replied, "Tell Shawn to represent me in the meeting. I have pressing matters to attend to." With that, he grabbed his car keys and left.

Devin found himself trailing behind, struggling to keep pace with Holden's swift departure.

Meanwhile, at the children's summer camp, youngsters frolicked on the verdant lawn. Melon, relegated to the sidelines, cast wistful glances at their merriment, yearning to partake in their activities.

At that moment, a chubby young lad stepped forward, exuding an aura of authority, obstructing Melon's path. He said, “We've decreed not to play with fatherless children, lest we risk a similar fate!"

This kindled Melon's ire, and he retorted with fervor, "Your words hold no sway! I have a dad! Stop it!"

The boy paid Melon's assertion no heed, emitting a disdainful snort and condescendingly looking down at him.

“Your words are but fabrications. You have no dad!"

Unbeknownst to Melon, the youngster had stumbled on school records in the counselor's office, where he noticed that Melon had a single parent. No mention of a father.

“You're the liar here! I have just called my father!" Melon's face reddened, and he teetered on the precipice of tears.

The two youngsters embarked on a heated quarrel, with the chubby boy's taunts escalating.

“Oh, your father?! Perhaps your mother just weaves tales for you!"

"My mother is honest!" Melon retorted vehemently.

"My father assured me of his return soon!"