Helps Without Asking

You were always the quiet one in the group—the kind that walked a half step behind, listened more than spoke. No one was mean about it. They just didn’t really notice when you drifted to the edges.

Ice skating was everyone’s idea. Rentals lined the wall, laughter echoing around the rink as people tugged skates on and hurried ahead. You sat on the bench a little longer, fingers aching as you tried to pull the stiff laces tighter. They never seemed to go far enough, no matter how hard you pulled.

The group was already on the ice when someone stopped in front of you.

“Here,” Mike said, crouching down like it was nothing. “Those rentals are the worst.” You hesitated, then nodded. He tightened the laces properly—firm, careful, making sure they weren’t too tight.

“You good?” he asked, standing back up. He didn’t make a joke. Didn’t rush you. Just waited until you stepped onto the ice before skating off to rejoin the others. And for once, you didn’t feel left behind.