Mason wakes up early on Christmas morning and rushes to the present pile. Without waiting, he tears the wrapping off a tall, thin box he’s certain is filled with glorious Ninjagos. Instead, the blank cardboard box contains an unflattering sidewalk caricature of himself with ratty hair and smell lines. It’s labeled “Ma-Skunk.” Like Mason, but a skunk. He breaks down in tears, fully realizing the hilarious pain he’s caused poor Mrs. Buchowski.

Mason grows up to become a humorless, though empathetic school guidance counselor. The Christmas gift he received when he was 7 altered the course of Mason’s life forever.

THE END