At this juncture, Holden held Melon and conversed rationally with the boys. It didn't take long for Melon to feel reassured by his father's presence.

Melon glanced at the boy and quipped, “Well, in that case, you'll have to help me give snacks to all and sing my dad's praises. Do that, and I'll let bygones be bygones."

Holden couldn't help but smile at Melon's request and affectionately ruffled his hair.

Realizing the error of his ways, the boy hastily concurred, "Alright."

With that done, he followed the counselor outside to distribute the snacks.

It was only after he had genuinely sung praises about Max's dad being as dapper as a daisy to every single one of their fellow campers that Melon finally forgave him. With that, the incident was finally put to rest.

Holden and Devin had stayed quite a while at the summer camp, keeping Melon company. Only when they saw Melon merrily frolicking with the other youngsters could they finally heave a sigh of relief.

Time whizzed, and Holden checked his watch, realizing the hour had grown late. He and Devin had to hit the road.

Before taking their leave, Holden requested that Devin exit first and then leaned down to talk with Melon in hushed tones.

“Remember, we've got to keep today's meeting with Daddy on the hush-hush from Mommy, alright?"

Clutching his snacks, Melon looked up at him with a perplexed expression, batting his eyelashes.

"Why? Doesn't Daddy want to see Mommy? Don't you long for Mommy?"

Holden hesitated for a fleeting moment, his mind racing to concoct a plausible excuse. After a thoughtful pause, he finally told Melon, "You see, Daddy's profession is secret, and this time, I clandestinely slipped away to keep my boy company. Should your Mommy discover our Little escapade, she'd surely be fuming and fraught with worry. You know how much Daddy despises seeing Mommy distressed, and you share that sentiment, don't you?"

Melon, not fully grasping the intricacies of the situation, got Holden's words and nodded in agreement. He extended his hand, suggesting a pinkie promise.

"Shall we seal the deal?"

"Alright, no lying." With a wry grin, Holden intertwined his pinkie with Melon's and playfully tickled his nose.

Melon was still hesitant to part ways. He got his smart watch and showed it to Holden.

“Daddy, this is my contact information. Can I add your details? We can video chat whenever you find time."

"Of course," Holden readily agreed, proceeding to add Melon's phone number.

Finally, Melon kissed Holden's cheek, bid farewell, and stood at the summer camp entrance, watching his departure.