A delightful encounter at a local pizzeria in Massachusetts has captured the hearts of many after a young girl engaged in a playful game of tic-tac-toe with a pizza shop employee. The heartwarming incident took place at Marc Anthony’s La Pizzeria, situated in Onset, near Cape Cod, and has since gone viral on social media platforms.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/pizza-tic-tac-toe357-04302026-9f39d0bdab6e4256a590bcc8fd8c70a9.jpg)

The young girl, Valentina Perez, was approached by a dedicated employee identified as Alex after she knocked on the pizzeria’s window. Valentina’s enthusiastic gesture brought her to the attention of Alex, who invited her back with a warm gesture. Instead of simply acknowledging her, the employee took the opportunity to create a unique experience for the young visitor.
In a charming display of creativity, Alex fashioned a game grid for tic-tac-toe on the counter using flour. With his finger, he deftly outlined the grid as Valentina watched with delight and curiosity. This simple yet engaging interaction quickly transformed an ordinary day into a memorable one.

The touching moment was captured on video by Valentina’s mother, Jayme Perez, who shared the footage on TikTok. The video has since garnered millions of views since it was uploaded on April 15, illustrating the significant emotional response from viewers around the world. The connection displayed in the video resonated with many, celebrating the spirit of community and kindness.
Jayme took to the comments section to identify Alex and shared that Valentina is particularly fond of her interactions with him. “She can never walk by when Alex is working without getting the flour thrown at her!” Jayme remarked. However, she noted that this was the first time Valentina had played tic-tac-toe with him, which added a special touch to their ongoing friendship.
In an unexpected turn, Valentina proved to be quite the competitor, swiftly defeating Alex in their friendly match. This small victory added to the joy of the encounter, showcasing how simple moments can create lasting memories. Jayme expressed her sentiments on social media, recalling fond memories of enjoying pizza at Marc Anthony’s La Pizzeria during her own childhood, now happily sharing that experience with her daughter.
Jayme’s heartfelt posts reveal even more about the significance of this encounter. “Great family & restaurant!!” she wrote, praising the owners and staff of the pizzeria. The shared bond between the employees and customers enhances the sense of community within the establishment.
In an interview with ABC 7 Chicago, Jayme shed light on her daughter’s condition and the importance of positive interactions in her life. “Valentina is autistic and doesn’t always have amazing interactions, so this is definitely a core memory,” Jayme shared. The warmth and kindness displayed by Alex during their encounter not only brought joy to Valentina but also created a meaningful experience that will be cherished for years to come.
As the video continues to reach new audiences, it serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of human connection and the simple joys that can be found in everyday situations. The world could always use more stories like this, showcasing the kindness of individuals and the joy that comes from unexpected moments of fun.
