On the drive back, Holden chatted with Melon on the phone.

Holden noticed Melon’s voice getting sleepy, and even he yawned. But just when he was about to bid goodnight and end the call, a sharp “Mommy!” came from Melon’s side.

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.”

was a gentleness in Holden’s voice that

replied, trying to hide her own tiredness, “I’m relieved we didn’t disturb you. Melon just really misses his father.” Ariana’s

merely hummed in response, secretly longing to continue

wants to talk. Don’t sweat the

Ariana sounded apologetic.

keep a better eye

up on Ariana’s struggle to keep

found himself deep in reflection. He couldn’t shake off the sound of her

it about Ariana’s voice that drew

phone and scrolled through

only recently connected, their chat history told

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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