You and Joshua were playing outside at the park, like you always did after school. He was trying to climb the jungle gym when you walked over, grinning.

“Look how short you are.”

you teased, laughing as you patted his head.

Joshua huffed and crossed his arms.

“We’ll see who’s talking when I’m older.”

he muttered.

You just laughed again, not thinking much of it.

But a week later, his family moved away without much warning. One day he was there, the next—gone. You didn’t even get to say goodbye.

— Years later —

Your mom told you a new family was moving in next door, and tonight they were coming over for dinner. You didn’t think much of it, just another neighbor.

“Go open the door, sweetie!”

your mom called from the kitchen as the doorbell rang.

You went to answer it, smiling automatically, until your eyes landed on the guy standing there.

Tall. Confident. Familiar.

He stepped inside with a smirk.

“Hey, shorty.”

he said, voice smooth with amusement.

“Didn’t expect to see you here.”

You blinked.

“What the—Joshua?”

“Looks like I grew.”

he grinned, reaching out to pat your head just like you used to do to him.

“Now who’s the short one?”