datatable.directory/app/Models/TableComment.php

<?php

namespace App\Models;

use Illuminate\Database\Eloquent\Model;

/**
 * Comment on a data table
 */
class TableComment extends Model
{
    /** Context data table */
    public function table()
    {
        return $this->belongsTo(Table::class);
    }

    /** Parent comment (that we reply to; can be null) */
    public function ancestor()
    {
        return $this->belongsTo(TableComment::class, 'ancestor_id');
    }

    /** Replies to this comment */
    public function replies()
    {
        return $this->hasMany(TableComment::class, 'ancestor_id');
    }

    /** Authoring user */
    public function author()
    {
        return $this->belongsTo(User::class, 'author_id');
    }
}