Pride (2023)

Tyson and his father, Sean, faced numerous challenges along their journey. Initially, Sean struggled to accept Tyson's coming out in high school, straining their relationship throughout Tyson's college years. However, Sean's love for his son triumphed in the end. When Tyson graduated, their previous conflicts paled in comparison to the unbreakable bond they shared. Sean became Tyson's unwavering supporter and ally, strengthening their connection like never before.

In 2023, Sean found himself accompanying Tyson to his first Pride parade. They stood amidst a vibrant crowd, fully immersed in the joyous festivities and lively music. Unexpectedly, a splash from a water gun startled them.

Amidst the bustling crowd, Tyson leaned in and asked his father, "Are you enjoying yourself?"

Sean momentarily hesitated, but then joined the crowd in clapping along as a passing float encouraged their participation. "It's different, but yeah," he replied.

Tyson playfully nudged Sean's arm and said, "It's definitely different, but I'm really glad you came."

Sean smiled back, nodding in appreciation. "Thanks for inviting me."

As they continued to revel in the parade, Tyson noticed their former school's float approaching. Intending to inform his dad, he turned around only to suddenly vanish from sight.

It was then Sean notice the float himself. “Hey, isn't that your school?" Sean leaned back towards Tyson, inquiring. However, he soon realized he was alone. Confused, he scanned the crowd for Tyson, but he was nowhere to be found. "Ty?"

Sean searched through the bustling crowd, desperately looking for any sign of his son. Taking out his iPhone, he quickly sent a text before placing the phone back in his pocket. Unbeknownst to him, his text failed to deliver. Reluctantly, he accepted that Tyson would eventually return and refocused his attention on the passing parade.

—

"DAD!" Tyson's panicked voice pierced through the air, but it got lost amidst the bustling crowd, failing to reach Sean's towering figure. He watched as his father frantically searched for him.

"I'm down here! I don't know what happened!" Tyson screamed, fear evident in his voice as a sea of feet surrounded him.

With terror gripping him, Tyson sprinted towards his father's colossal foot, skillfully dodging the steps of three other men trying to take his place. He ran, his eyes fixed on his father's face among the crowd of towering figures. Sean seemed to be moving away, creating more space.

"No, Dad! Don't leave!" Tyson yelled up at his unaware father. The three men laughed, completely oblivious to the danger they posed. Tyson abruptly stopped as a colossal white shoe landed in front of him. Looking up, he saw a man not much older than himself, staring off into the crowd, unaware that he had nearly crushed a tiny person under his feet. Swiftly maneuvering around the large shoe, Tyson kept his eyes fixed on his father's sandalled foot and made a determined dash towards it.

Reaching the towering sandal, Tyson agilely climbed its grimy surface. Once on top, he crawled forward and extended a feeble hand, desperately trying to touch his father's foot. It felt surreal, but the tough skin made it difficult to capture any attention. He started pounding on the rugged skin with his hand, but his efforts were in vain. His dad was right there, seemingly oblivious to his presence. How could he not feel him?

As Sean felt a slight tickle on his foot, his instinctive response kicked in without a second thought. Years of experience had conditioned him to perceive such sensations as harmless itches caused by wandering bugs. Acting on autopilot, he casually lifted his foot to alleviate the irritation, completely unaware of the impending disaster unfolding below. Never in a million years could he have imagined that his tiny son was desperately seeking his attention.

In an instant, chaos consumed Tyson's world. The sudden movement of Sean's foot sent him hurtling forward to where the foot had been, his screams echoing through the air. The surface of the sandal trembled as the giant foot relieved its itch, almost as if it had a mind of its own. Helplessly, Tyson watched as his father's sole hovered overhead. Realizing the impending catastrophe, Tyson screamed.

"Dad!! No! Not like this!" His voice failed to reach his father's ears, and tears welled up in his eyes as the foot descended swiftly and mercilessly, landing directly on top of him.

Sean felt nothing as he began to question where Tyson had gone. His large foot had engulfed his tiny son to such an extent that the ridges and bumps along his sandals concealed his presence. With a sigh, Sean began maneuvering out of the crowd, unaware of the distress his actions were causing his miniature son beneath his foot.