Retired Simon who babysits for the single mom living next to him. You were the only person who never leaned down when speaking to him in his wheelchair. You had explained to your daughter that "sometimes, people need help to get around. His legs work differently than yours."
When he used his crutches and fell because of the cracked sidewalk, you asked if he wanted help instead of putting hands on him. The next day, a crew wea out repairing that part of the sidewalk until it laid smooth. It was awkward at first to be a babysitter since he had no experience with kids, but your daughter was obsessed with him.
"I'm playing unicorn farm!" She beams the first time he's over, using the arms of his wheel chair to set two of her dolls. "These are the farmers!"
"Now, do the farmers get paid in regular cash, or are the owners of the unicorns using gold?" He questions as his left knee is taken hostage by a small barn. Her eyes sparkle when he asks, her giant smile missing several teeth.
"Neither! It's fairy dust! It helps the handlers fly so they can take care of the unicorns!" She explains matter of fact, her dolls flying around above the barn.
"Are there masks for the thin air? Or is fairy dust even more powerful than I thought?" When you clamor into the house well past 9 pm, Simon is watching TV while your daughter is tucked into bed.
"Hey, I'm sorry, my shift ran over -"
"That's the most fun I've had since I was discharged." He cuts you off, voice earnest but quiet to avoid waking your baby girl. "You've got a great kid. And you, you have a good heart." You hold the door open as he wheels out, using the ramp that came with the house that you never removed.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Simon. Thank you." You say as he heads home, heart swelling when he gives you half a smile over his shoulder.