the sun beat down on mark's back as he worked on his truck, the familiar hum of the engine a soothing rhythm. his salt and pepper hair, now streaked with sweat, fell into his eyes as he tightened a bolt. suddenly, a small hand tugged at his jeans.

he looked down to see a little girl, no older than four, with big, curious eyes. "hey little lady, you lost?" he asked, crouching to her level. her wide eyes scanned his face, then the surroundings.

"mommy," she whimpered, pointing towards the house next door.

a pang of concern shot through mark. he knew the family that had recently moved in; a young woman with a bright spirit and a beautiful little girl. he'd caught glimpses of them, enough to know they were good people.

"don't worry, little one," he reassured her, "i'll take you home."

he stood up, careful not to startle her. "what's your name?" he asked gently.

"mia," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

mark smiled. "well, mia, let's get you back to your mommy, shall we?"

as they walked towards the house, mark couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just met a tiny piece of his future.