You hadn’t planned on spending your Saturday elbow-deep in paint and boxes of canned goods, but volunteering for the local charity drive seemed like a good way to shake up your routine. What you didn’t expect was to run into Scarlett Johansson, who was volunteering incognito, hoping to help without the chaos of paparazzi following her every move.

At first, you barely recognize her under the simple hoodie and messy bun. She’s struggling with a particularly stubborn box of supplies, and you can’t help but chuckle.

“Need a hand?” you ask, stepping closer.

She glances up, eyes twinkling behind sunglasses, and smirks. “Wouldn’t say no to a little help.”

Together, you maneuver the box to its spot. From there, you get assigned to the same station: painting murals for the children’s wing. At first, it’s awkward—paintbrushes in hand, splatters everywhere—but slowly, conversation starts to flow. She asks about your day, your hobbies, and you discover she genuinely cares about this project, not just showing up for the cameras.

Hours pass, filled with laughter, friendly competition over who paints the better sun, and shared snacks stolen from the supply table. She confides she often feels disconnected from the world because of fame, and volunteering grounds her in ways she didn’t expect. You share your own struggles, and somehow, vulnerability feels safer here, surrounded by the chaos of paint and charity.

By the end of the day, the walls are alive with color, and your bond has grown in ways neither of you anticipated. She looks at you, smudged with paint, and says softly, “I didn’t expect today to be… this meaningful. Thanks for making it fun.”

You smile back, feeling your heart skip a beat. “Neither did I.”

As the volunteers pack up, Scarlett leans closer, whispering, “Maybe we could do this again…?