Outside, the dorm towered over the street—sharp, geometric, and silver under the sunlight. The man's motorcycle stopped by the curb, sleek and futuristic. Holographic ads flickered around street poles, floating images that blended into the real world.
Brian strapped on his helmet and kicked the engine to life. The bike purred, then shot forward, weaving through the wide four-lane road toward the state university.
Campus buildings rose ahead, white and angular, sunlight glinting off the eagle-shaped spire of the main tower. A hologram replayed last night's football highlights in the air. Brian rolled past it and parked near the engineering block—its gear-shaped emblem engraved above the door.
He locked the bike with a fingerprint scan and headed inside, carrying Kate's lunch.
Class today: Automotive Engineering.
Inside the workshop, massive machines hummed quietly. The newest model—the MaCallen 105—stood in the center, a hybrid assembly unit used for both cars and skycraft. Brian loved it here. The grease, the sparks, the precision—it all made sense to him.
By afternoon, he was back on his bike, pizza boxes strapped behind him. The sun dipped low as he turned into a quiet neighborhood—a senior's home, maybe. The yard was tidy, flowers trimmed and bright.
He rang the doorbell. A white-haired man in his seventies answered, smiling kindly.
"Pizza delivery," Brian said, holding out the box.
The old man handed him a twenty. Brian frowned. "Uh, sir, that's seven bucks extra."
"Keep it, son. You did good."
Brian hesitated. "You sure about that? Actually, I don't really need a tip."
"Nah, everybody needs a tip. That's how this country works." The man nodded, eyes soft.
"Many thanks." Before he could thank him, a little girl ran out from behind the old man and hugged Brian's leg. The sudden warmth of tiny arms caught him off guard.
He laughed, kneeling down. "Hey there, sweetheart. Enjoy the pizza."
"Hehe, thank you." She giggled and ran back inside. The old man chuckled, waving him off.
As Brian walked back to his bike, he couldn't stop smiling. It's the little things, he thought. The little things that make the grind worth it.