Winter break had arrived, and while some of your friends were sleeping in or heading off to fancy vacations, you found yourself helping out at your grandparents’ small neighborhood store. The air was brisk, every breath visible in the cold, the sun still out as you rubbed your gloved hands together and stepped outside. Morning deliveries had just started rolling in, and your job was simple: unload, sort, and stock.

A truck pulled up, its brakes hissing as it stopped by the curb. You hurried over, nodding to the driver before beginning to offload the boxes—mostly convenience items, drinks, snacks, a few cleaning supplies. Your breath fogged the air as you moved through the routine, stacking one box after another into your grandparents’ cramped little store.

You were just grabbing the last box, already fantasizing about a hot drink and some quiet, when a shadow passed over the truck bed.

You paused. Slowly, you turned.

And there he was.

A giant kid stood at the sidewalk, easily 9'6" tall. He wore a black hoodie and matching sweatpants, his hands tucked in the front pocket, buzz cut catching the winter light. Despite his size, there was nothing threatening about him. His posture was relaxed, and when he noticed you staring, he smiled—an open, genuine smile that melted some of the cold from the air.

You blinked. Your arms tightened around the box in your hands. The world seemed to pause for a second, suspended between the soft crunch of snow under his steps and the warmth of the store behind you.

He continued walking as you thought. You could head back inside and keep helping your grandparents like nothing happened...

Or you could say something.

Maybe this winter break was about to get a lot more interesting.