Apparently, my story is enough to scare him into shoving on his helmet and I can't help but grin a little. It's not very nice, maybe, but it's... really cute.

I'm just putting on my right skate when I notice Simon struggling with the buckles of his. "Oh, shoot, let me," I tell him, reaching over to unsnap each one. "You use that little plastic strap to tighten them once they're on," I explain before sitting back up again. "I've had my own skates for so long, I always forget about these. They should fit pretty snug, though."

Sitting up, I tap the heel of my blade against the ground. "Your toe should barely brush the front. Rental skates are always a little trick, but you don't want them too tight or too loose if you can help it."