Teddy went back in time to give his younger self a gift that wasn’t wrapped in paper or tied with ribbon—it was the kind of gift that comes from wisdom, from years of living, and from the heart that has weathered both joy and hardship. When he found his younger self, wide-eyed and still unsure of the path ahead, Teddy knelt down and placed his hand gently on that boy’s shoulder.
He didn’t bring money, fame, or anything flashy. Instead, he gave courage, whispering softly, “You are stronger than you think, and you will survive every storm that comes your way.” He gave patience, reminding his younger self that not everything needs to be rushed, and that sometimes the most beautiful parts of life unfold slowly. And perhaps most importantly, he gave love—the reminder that love will always be the greatest treasure, the anchor through every chapter of life.
The younger Teddy looked at the older version of himself with wonder, not fully understanding yet, but feeling the truth in those words. The older Teddy smiled knowingly; he remembered being that boy, lost in questions, sometimes lonely, often afraid. He remembered wishing for someone to tell him that it was all going to be okay. Now, he finally had the chance to be that voice.
And as time folded in on itself, Teddy realized that giving to his younger self was really a way of healing his present. It was a way of honoring every mistake, every lesson, every joy and heartbreak that made him who he was. By giving back to the boy he once was, he was also giving himself permission to forgive, to hope, and to keep moving forward with a lighter heart.
When the visit ended and the older Teddy returned to his own time, he carried with him a quiet peace. His younger self now had the wisdom of years, and his older self had the gift of seeing how far he had come. It was a circle of love and growth, a reminder that sometimes the best gifts we can ever give are not to others, but to ourselves across time.
