You twirl the candy cane above your head like a rodeo star. "Alright, little gumdrop bandit," you whisper. "Time to round up some runaway cookies!" The gingerbread man spots you and gasps. "You wouldn't dare!" "Oh, I'd dare," you say dramatically. You swing the candy cane and—whoosh!—it loops perfectly around his gumdrop hat. "Gotcha!" He lets out a squeaky yelp as you gently lift him from the toy bakery roof. "Put me down, Oven Master! This is cruel and unusual dessert treatment!" You can't help laughing as you lower him into your hand. He crosses his tiny frosting arms, pouting. "I just wanted to see the North Pole…" Your smile fades a little. He looks so small, so hopeful—and maybe a little scared. "I didn't mean to ruin your adventure," you say softly. "But I didn't want you to get hurt." The cookie looks at you for a moment, then sighs. "You've got a good heart, human. Maybe there's still hope for teamwork between us." You grin. "Maybe there is."