'Aaaadvisor! '

Their tiny hands come up to their foreheads in salute. They stand with their shoulders pulled away from their ears, spines sycamore straight. He strides past this tiny battalion, steps measured, hands behind his back. The helmet around his head grips tightly at his temples. 'At ease! Great job, soldiers. '

When he turns around, his friends are all beaming at him. He grins back. 'What should we play next? '

'I can 't! Ma said I have to be home before the lamplighter comes around. See you all tomorrow? '

'Me too! '

He nods, already sweeping up their toys to hide away for their next game. 'Okay. Tomorrow we 'll start where we left off. '

'You got it, boss! '

Their silhouettes fade past the entrance of the warehouse. They disappear into burgeoning nightfall. 'Need help? ' his last remaining friend offers.

'It 's fine, I 'm done. Want to go home together? '

'Sure! '