The Third Wheel (2023)

Three men eagerly made their way downtown to attend the annual TasteFest in the heart of Toronto. This vibrant festival celebrated diverse cultures and offered a wide array of cuisines, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

The idea to visit downtown came from Zach's cousin, Frank, who engaged in lively conversation with Zach while their friend Owen lagged behind. The crowded street prevented them from walking side by side, and Owen began to feel excluded from their discussion, sensing himself becoming a third wheel. As Zach's cousin, who was visiting from out of town, took the lead, their afternoon hangout felt hijacked.

Eventually, the trio arrived at the festival and sampled a few dishes from the food trucks before deciding to explore the entertainment offerings. Spotting a crowd, they joined in and stood under the warm sun, captivated by a captivating cultural dance routine.

Suddenly, a strong breeze swept through the narrow streets, catching Owen's attention. Looking around, he couldn't shake the feeling of an ominous presence in the air. Turning to his friend to discuss it he-

"Hey, where did your friend go?"

Zach, bewildered, turned around only to find an empty space where Owen had stood moments before. Scanning the area, Zach quickly checked if Owen had gone to the restroom or disposed of his drink. Unable to locate him, he turned back to Frank, puzzled. "I don't know," Zach replied, searching the surroundings for any signs of his missing friend.

Frank followed suit, but they found no trace of Owen. "Well, I suppose he'll find us later. He has your number, right?" Frank suggested.

Zach reluctantly accepted this notion, scratching his ankle as he resigned himself to the situation. "Yeah, you're right. He'll reach out and let me know where he is." Adjusting his stance and crossing his arms, Zach returned his focus to the dance routine, engaging in casual conversation with Frank, as if expecting Owen to reappear at any moment.

—

However, when Zach turned back toward his friend, he was taken aback and utterly shocked. Zach had been replaced by what looked like a grimy white wall. Owen's eyes widened in terror as he followed the wall's upward trajectory, which seamlessly transitioned into a flesh-toned expanse stretching toward the heavens. At the top of this immense wall, Owen spotted his gigantic friend, towering above everything else—he had transformed into a colossal giant! Overwhelmed by the sight, Owen let out a scream.

"Z-Za-... Zach! Hey! Look, down here!"

But his cries for help were drowned out by the cacophony of surrounding sounds. Determined, Owen rose to his feet and sprinted toward his giant friend, who seemed to be scanning the area.

“Look down here! Zaaaaach!!!!”

As he reached the white wall, his mind focused intently, he grabbed hold and began to scale the grubby surface. The air carried a spicy blend of rubber and what Owen believed to be sweat. Despite the overpowering scent, he continued climbing, maneuvering as the giant shifted his feet while searching for his missing friend. This caused Owen's ascent to slow.

Finally, reaching the peak of the soiled sandal, Owen dashed toward the flesh-toned wall and scaled it with surprising ease. The ridges on the skin provided convenient footholds, and the scent of rubber was replaced by a mixture of soap and sweat. As he reached the ankle, Owen froze, a shadow looming over him. Looking up, he screamed as two colossal fingers crashed into the skin a few yards above. The fingers scratched the surface as they hurtled toward his tiny figure.

In a panic, Owen let go, plummeting down the length of his friend's foot. He landed roughly on the soft bed of the sandal, bouncing off the memory foam, and hastily made his way toward the ground. Glancing down amongst his fall, the land appeared as nothing more than grey bars and open space—he realized they were standing above a grate! A yelp escaped Owen's lips as he landed harshly on the unforgiving metal surface and slid across it, desperately attempting to grasp anything within reach to prevent himself from sliding further and falling into the depths of the grate. No one would ever find him!

Eventually, Owen managed to slow down and come to a stop, letting out a sigh of relief. He was in the middle of one of the grey bars, winded but alive. Looking up best he could, his view filled with nothing but his friend's colossal foot. Coughing, he attempted to get to his feet, while the two unaware giants continued their afternoon, oblivious to Owen's near-death experience.