At that moment, a chubby young lad stepped forward, exuding an aura of authority, obstructing Melonâs path.
He said, âWeâve decreed not to play with fatherless children, lest we risk a similar fate!â
This kindled Melonâs ire, and he retorted with fervor, âYour words hold no sway! I have a dad! Stop it!â
The boy paid Melonâs assertion no heed, emitting a disdainful snort and condescendingly looking down at him.
âYour words are but fabrications.
You have no dad!â
Unbeknownst to Melon, the youngster had stumbled on school records in the counselorâs office, where he noticed that Melon had a single parent.
No mention of a father.
âYouâre the liar here! I have just called my father!â Melonâs face reddened, and he teetered on the precipice of tears.
The two youngsters embarked on a heated quarrel, with the chubby boyâs taunts escalating.
âOh, your father?! Perhaps your mother just weaves tales for you!â
âMy mother is honest!â Melon retorted vehemently.
âMy father assured me of his return soon!â
A scornful chuckle came from the boy.
âHa! Return? You have no father to speak of!â The kid mocked Melon, making expressions and making the other kids laugh.
âYouâre incredibly stupid! Maybe your father is already gone! Are you talking about a phone call? That has to be a fake father!â
Enraged, Melon lunged forth, delivering a resounding blow to the rotund boyâs face.
âYour father is the one whoâs dead!â
The chubby lad wailed and, unwilling to concede defeat, grabbed Melonâs face, and the two tumbled on the grass.
He cried, âI shall report this to the counselor! You hit me! Youâre a fatherless bastard!â
âI am not fatherless! Shut up!â Melonâs eyes glistened with tears as he grappled fiercely with his adversary, their conflict unabated.
The other kids were terrified and raced to alert the counselor.
In the midst of this tumult, the campâs loudspeaker crackled to life.
âMax Anderson, your father just arrived bearing two laden packs of snacks to see you.
Please come to the lecture hall.
â