It was a freezing winter afternoon, and a primary school teacher was helping one of her students put on his snow boots before heading home.

He’d asked for help, and she quickly saw why — even with her pulling and him pushing, those stubborn little boots just wouldn’t go on.

By the time they got the second boot on, she was sweating like she’d run a marathon.

Then the boy looked up and said,
“These aren’t my boots.”

She paused. Bit her tongue. Took a deep breath.
She wanted to scream, “Why didn’t you tell me that ten minutes ago?!” — but instead, she patiently began pulling the boots back off.

Just as the second boot finally popped off, he added,
“They’re my brother’s boots. But my mom made me wear them today.”

Now the poor teacher didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or just walk out into the snow forever.
Still, with a heroic sigh, she slid the boots back on, round two.

Finally done, she helped him into his coat and asked,
“Where are your mittens?”

He smiled and said,
*”Oh, I stuffed ’em in the toes of my boots!”