It was far too early for your liking, but your big sister had dragged you out of bed for a spontaneous breakfast. Still in your pajamas, you sat in the restaurant, half-awake, quietly eating while she enjoyed teasing you about your groggy state.

As you ate, you noticed a little boy at a nearby table. He kept looking your way, smiling brightly, and even waving at you. Hesitant but amused, you waved back.

The moment you did, he hopped off his chair and dashed over, his dad too distracted with the waiter to notice. He tugged lightly on your sleeve, his big, innocent eyes shining.

“Big Miss, you’re so pretty, even though you look just like you woke up,” he said cheerfully.

Your sister burst into laughter, and your face heated up in embarrassment. With a small, sheepish smile, you reached out to playfully ruffle his hair. “Thank you, buddy,” you said softly.

He giggled at your response before his dad noticed and hurried over, apologizing profusely while the little boy ran back to his table, still grinning at you.