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Summer was finally here, and the Haddocks were ready for their tropical vacation. But with Stoick rerouted to a later flight, Valka had the first leg of the trip all to herself—and her three kids, ranging from fearless five-year-old Una to thoughtful ten-year-old Boden, and of course, responsible big brother Hiccup.
At the hotel, Valka needed a break and promised she’d catch some rest if Hiccup could watch over the younger two. Hiccup agreed without hesitation.
Down by the pool, Una zipped around like she owned the water, confident and quick, but Hiccup made her wear floaties anyway. No lifeguard meant no risks, especially for his little sister.
Boden hovered near the edge, watching his sister swim circles around him, less bold but eager to join. Hiccup kept a close eye on both of them, making sure Boden stayed where he could be safe and Una didn’t push too far.
Then a little girl, about Una’s age, approached shyly.
“Can I play?”
Hiccup smiled but said, “Check with your parents first, okay?”
The girl ran off and came back alone, looking uneasy.
“Where are your grown-ups?” Hiccup asked softly.
She shrugged.
That set off alarms in Hiccup’s head.
He pulled Una and Boden out of the pool, wrapped them in towels, and led them back to the room, leaving a note for Valka. Then he took the girl to the front desk and told them she was unattended. The staff promised to handle it.
A couple of hours later, Valka was jolted awake by pounding on the door. A woman stood there, wild-eyed and yelling that Hiccup had ruined her daughter’s day by “telling her she couldn’t swim.” The woman’s voice cracked with anger, sharp and raw.
Valka listened, calm but firm, then called Hiccup to explain.
She was horrified by the mother’s recklessness and proud of Hiccup for stepping up.
When the woman tried to get physical, Valka put herself between them and called hotel security. The police arrived, the footage backed Hiccup’s story, and the woman was arrested for assault and child endangerment.
Later, the girl’s father came to collect her, thanking Hiccup quietly. He explained the messy divorce had left his daughter unattended more than once.
The Haddocks settled back in, thankful for Hiccup’s steady head and grateful the rocky day was behind them. Boden squeezed his big brother’s hand and smiled, relieved.
Their vacation was just getting started—but they already knew they could handle whatever came next.