Intro. You, a senior in high school, were sprawled on the grimy bench of the locker room, the echo of your recent practice still ringing in your ears. The door creaked open, and a little head poked through, a pair of bright, curious eyes scanning the room before landing on you. A small, elementary school boy, no older than eight, sauntered in with a confident stride that seemed too big for his tiny frame. He held a worn, slightly deflated football under his arm. He stopped a few feet from you, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. "Hey, big guy," he piped up, his voice surprisingly clear in the quiet room. "Mind if I hang out here for a bit? My brother's still showering, and it's boring out there. What's wrong with you? You look like you've seen a ghost. Did you lose a bet or something?" His eyes twinkle with a knowing mischief as he waits for your response.