Emily lay back on the changing table, her cheeks flushed as Daddy worked methodically, wiping away the mess in her diaper with practiced ease. She stared at the ceiling, her mind drifting as she tried to ignore the crinkling sound and the faint chill of the wipes. No matter how often this happened, it was hard to shake the discomfort of being so utterly dependent and having someone else handle something personal.

Daddy’s touch was gentle, and his humming was soft and soothing as he cleaned her. “All clean,” he said cheerfully, reaching for a fresh diaper. Emily felt the familiar bulk slide beneath her, the soft material snug against her skin as he fastened the tabs securely.

“There,” he said, scooping her up effortlessly into his arms. His warmth enveloped her, and she couldn’t help but rest her head against his shoulder as he lifted her to the sticker chart. Daddy reached for a colorful sticker and placed it neatly in the day’s square beneath her name.

“Good girl,” he said warmly, kissing her temple before gently setting her down. His praise brought a flicker of warmth to her chest, but it was quickly overshadowed by the lingering discomfort that gnawed at the edges of her thoughts.

Emily couldn’t stop thinking about the cartoon. The cheerful, patronizing voices of Naomi and Oliver echoed in her mind, their saccharine tones dripping with condescension as they urged her and Hannah to “be good babies.” The memory of their coaxing, their relentless encouragement to use their diapers, made her skin crawl. She could still feel the faint tug of the hypnotic suggestions, the way they had wormed into her mind despite her resistance.

She glanced at Daddy, who was tidying up the changing supplies efficiently. She knew he wasn’t the source of the cartoons. As much as he had been the one to turn on the screen, she understood he didn’t want this any more than she did. His reluctance had been written all over his face, his discomfort almost palpable as the show had played. She didn’t blame him—not for the cartoons, their content, or the effect they had on her.

But understanding didn’t erase the knot of unease in her stomach. The thought of watching more episodes, of being subjected to those relentless messages again, filled her with dread. The first episode had shaken her, and she wasn’t sure how much more she could endure without breaking.

Daddy finished his task and turned to her with a warm smile. “All set, sweetie,” he said, his tone as gentle as ever. “Why don’t you play with Hannah while I finish getting things ready?”

Emily nodded absently, her feet carrying her toward the play area, where Hannah sat amidst a pile of stuffed animals. She sat beside her sister, picking up a soft, plush bear and clutching it to her chest.

As much as she tried to push the thoughts away, the memory of Naomi and Oliver lingered. Their forced cheerfulness, invasive suggestions, and unnerving way of calling her by name weighed heavy on her mind, reminding her of their precarious situation. She wanted to believe they could resist, that the serum in their system would hold up against the hypnotic messages. But the uncertainty left her feeling vulnerable in a way she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Emily tightened her grip on the bear, glancing at Hannah, who seemed lost in her thoughts. “We’ll get through this,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. She had to believe that—for both their sakes.

Emily reached for a nearby stuffed bunny, its soft fur brushing against her fingers as she picked it up. It was a simple toy, cute and unassuming, with floppy ears and a cheerful expression stitched onto its face. But as she turned it over in her hands, her fingers brushed against something unusual—a small, discreet button sewn into the seam.

Curious, Emily pressed it. Her breath hitched as a compartment in the toy clicked open, revealing a surprise. Nestled inside the bunny’s hollow body was something unmistakably meant for an adult. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she stared at the object, heat rising to her face in embarrassment and something else she couldn’t quite name.

She quickly shut the compartment, glancing nervously at Hannah, who was watching her with a knowing grin. Emily hesitated momentarily, the toy still clutched in her hands, before she smiled sheepishly.

“It’s… part of the agreement, isn’t it?” Emily murmured, her voice barely audible as she placed the bunny back in the pile.

Hannah nodded, her grin widening slightly. “Daddy said he’d respect our needs,” she said softly, her tone tinged with amusement. “Looks like he meant it.”

Emily’s blush deepened as she turned her attention back to the pile of toys, her fingers absently fiddling with the hem of her dress. It was an odd comfort, knowing Daddy had taken their agreement seriously—even if the reminder of it was tucked away in the least expected places.

She pushed the thought aside, the rosy color in her cheeks lingering as she settled back into the moment. She picked up another plushie, a simple bear, and hugged it to her chest, trying to focus on the here and now. Her gaze flickered to Hannah, who was still smirking slightly, and Emily couldn’t help but roll her eyes, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

Somehow, amidst all the chaos, there were still small moments of levity. Moments that reminded her they were in this together, no matter how strange or overwhelming their new reality might be.

Hannah chuckled softly; her cheeks tinged with a faint blush as she picked up a stuffed kitty from the pile. “You’re not the only one,” she admitted, holding the toy up for Emily to see. “This one… vibrates.”

Emily’s face turned a deeper shade of red, and she quickly covered her mouth to stifle an incredulous laugh. The awkwardness settled between them, their shared embarrassment blending with a reluctant sense of humor. It almost felt normal for a moment—two sisters teasing each other over something ridiculous.

But the levity was short-lived. The laughter faded, and the silence that followed felt heavy, the weight of their circumstances pressing down on them again. Emily hugged the bear in her lap tightly, her gaze dropping to the floor as the memory of the cartoon crept back into her mind. The patronizing voices, the invasive suggestions, the way they’d been drawn into it despite their resistance—it all lingered like a dark cloud.

Hannah broke the silence, her voice quiet but edged with unease. “What are we going to do, Em?”

Emily looked up, meeting Hannah’s worried eyes. She wished she had an answer, something reassuring to say, but all she could do was shrug. “I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice soft. “We agreed to stick to what the government had planned for us. We must follow the rules—the ‘societal norms’ they expect us to uphold.”

Hannah frowned, her hands fiddling with the stuffed kitty in her lap. “And the Little Care Act,” she said, her tone bitter. “We’re supposed to follow whatever ‘corrective guidance’ our minder decides, aren’t we?”

Emily nodded reluctantly. “Or rather, Daddy has to follow it,” she said, her words heavy with frustration. “If he doesn’t… if we don’t… we both know what happens.”

The unspoken threat hung in the air, the implications chilling. Miranda’s presence was a constant reminder of the stakes they faced. Failure to comply wouldn’t just mean trouble for them—it could mean losing everything, including Daddy’s protection.

Emily sighed, her shoulders slumping as she leaned against the pile of toys. “We just have to stick to it, Hannah,” she said quietly. “At least for now. There’s no other choice.”

Hannah hugged the stuffed kitty to her chest, her face a mix of defiance and resignation. “I hate this,” she muttered. “I hate feeling like we’re just… stuck.”

“I know,” Emily said softly. “I do, too.”

The silence returned, but it felt less awkward this time and more like a shared understanding. They were in this together despite their differences and individual struggles. And for now, that would have to be enough.

Daddy stepped back into the nursery, his warm smile lighting up the room as his gaze fell on the two girls nestled among the toys. “There are my precious girls,” he said softly, his voice full of affection. “How are you feeling?”

Emily glanced at Hannah before speaking, her tone honest but cautious. “A little uncomfortable,” she admitted, clutching the bear in her lap. “About the… show.”

Daddy’s smile faltered slightly, a flicker of guilt passing over his face. He crouched to their level, gently stroking Emily’s hair before turning to Hannah. “I understand,” he said softly, his voice tinged with regret. “I know it’s hard. And if I could stop it, I would. But I promise you, I’ll do everything possible to stretch the time between episodes. Maybe even avoid showing them altogether if I can help it.”

The girls didn’t respond immediately, but their eyes softened, and Daddy could see the hint of appreciation in their expressions. He straightened, clapping his hands lightly to change the mood. “But enough of that. Let’s think about something more fun, shall we?”

He grinned, his excitement palpable. “How about we go get a Christmas tree?”

Hannah and Emily shared a look, their brows furrowing in confusion. Emily spoke first. “Christmas? It’s not Christmas back on Earth.”

Daddy chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “It might not be Christmas on Earth,” he said, “but it is here. And what better way to lift your spirits than with a little holiday cheer?”

Hannah tilted her head, her pacifier bobbing slightly as she considered his words. “You mean like decorations? Lights and stuff?”

“Exactly,” Daddy said enthusiastically. “A big, beautiful tree with twinkling lights, ornaments, and maybe even a star on top. I thought sharing the holiday spirit with you both would be nice.”

The girls exchanged another glance, this time with less confusion and more curiosity. Hannah shrugged first, and Emily followed suit, the hint of a smile on her lips. “Why not?” Emily said. It sounds… nice.”

“Good!” Daddy said, his grin widening as he clapped his hands again. “Let’s get you both bundled up, and we’ll head out.”

Daddy scooped Hannah into his arms, holding her close as he carried her to the changing table. Her pacifier found its way back to her lips, the soft rhythm of her nursing calming her as Daddy worked efficiently to dress her. He pulled out a cozy outfit designed for an infant—a pale pink snowsuit, quilted and warm, with a hood lined in fluffy white fleece. The suit had built-in booties, so there was no need for shoes. Once she was bundled snugly, Daddy smiled down at her, kissing her forehead.

“There we go, all set,” he said softly before depositing her gently back into the play area.

Hannah settled among the stuffed animals, her cheeks rosy with warmth and mild embarrassment as she watched Daddy turn his attention to Emily. Emily stood quietly, her arms out as Daddy dressed her in something more fitting of a toddler—a bright red coat with white polka dots, a matching knit hat with a pom-pom on top, and a pair of warm leggings. He slid her feet into a pair of cute, sturdy shoes, tying them snugly before brushing her hair back into place.

“You look adorable,” Daddy said, his voice full of affection as he adjusted the hat on Emily’s head. “Both of you do.”

With the girls dressed and ready, Daddy returned to the living room. His gaze flickered briefly to the silent television, the dark screen looming like a shadow in the corner of the room. It felt as if it might spring to life for a moment, ready to ensnare them in its patronizing messages once more. But Daddy didn’t linger. He shrugged off the thought as he shrugged on his coat and picked up Hannah, cradling her against his chest.

“Let’s get going,” he said, taking Emily’s hand in his free one and leading them toward the door.

As they stepped outside, cool air greeted them, and the early signs of winter painted the sky in muted gray tones. Daddy opened the car doors, his movements practiced and efficient. Emily climbed into her toddler car seat as Daddy adjusted the straps securely over her shoulders. Then he turned to Hannah’s side, where the rear-facing infant car seat had been installed in place of her previous one.

Hannah’s eyes widened slightly as Daddy carefully placed her inside. The padded seat cradled her snugly as he fastened the straps across her chest. She lay on her back, facing the car's rear, her view limited to the inside. The position made her feel smaller and more dependent, but Daddy’s gentle touch and reassuring smile eased some embarrassment.

“Nice and safe,” he said, tucking a small blanket around her for warmth. “Let’s go get our tree.”

He climbed into the driver’s seat, the car humming softly to life as it floated effortlessly off the ground. Emily glanced back at Hannah with a small, knowing smile. Hannah could only sigh quietly around her pacifier, trying to focus on the thought of Christmas cheer rather than the undeniable reality of her current situation.

The car hummed softly as Daddy turned on the radio, the speakers filling the cabin with cheerful Christmas music. The melodies were upbeat and festive, but Emily quickly realized she didn’t recognize any of the songs. The instruments were similar to those back on Earth, but the tunes and lyrics were alien to her ears—familiar yet unfamiliar all at once.

She glanced at Hannah, lying snugly in her rear-facing car seat. The babyish design of the seat was impossible to ignore, cradling Hannah like an actual infant. The pink snowsuit added to the effect, making her sister look smaller. Emily couldn’t help but grin.

“You look so cute, Hannah,” Emily teased, her voice light and playful.

Hannah turned her head as much as she could, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. She gave Emily a look, her expression torn between embarrassment and annoyance, before rolling her eyes dramatically.

“Oh, come on,” Emily said with a chuckle. “It’s not that bad.”

Hannah’s only response was a soft sigh around her pacifier, her gaze drifting away to focus on the car ceiling. Emily stifled another laugh, deciding to let her sister stew for now, and turned her attention to the view outside the window.

The car glided effortlessly over the ground, the soft hum of its engine blending with the music as it floated on a cushion of air. The town's landscape soon gave way to the outskirts, the neat rows of houses and shops fading into open fields and dense woods. The transition was seamless, the road winding gently upward into the low hills that surrounded the town.

Emily watched as the rain outside thinned, the droplets transforming into fluffy snowflakes that swirled in the breeze. The world began to change around them, the lush greenery of the countryside giving way to a blanket of white. Snow clung to the branches of trees, dusted fences, and coated the rolling hills in a soft, silent layer.

The sight was mesmerizing, the kind of idyllic winter landscape she’d only ever seen in movies or read about in books. Back on Earth, snow had been a rare occurrence in their region, and Emily couldn’t help but feel a flicker of excitement as the world outside the car transformed into a winter wonderland.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured, almost to herself, her breath fogging the window as she leaned closer for a better view.

Daddy glanced at her in the rearview mirror, his smile warm and genuine. “I thought you’d like it,” he said. “It’s even prettier where we’re going. Just wait until you see the trees.”

Emily’s heart lifted slightly at his words. The thought of picking out a Christmas tree, of decorating it with lights and ornaments, felt like a much-needed distraction from the heaviness of their reality. She felt a little excited for the first time in what felt like forever.

The car slowed, the engine's hum softening as Daddy guided it off the main road and onto a gravel path leading to the tree farm. Emily leaned forward in her car seat, her breath catching slightly as the scene unfolded.

The centerpiece of the farm was a large red barn, its bright paint contrasting beautifully against the snowy landscape. Twinkling Christmas lights, strung across its wide, sloping roof and along the fences, created a magical ambiance. A towering wreath adorned with vibrant red bows and sprigs of holly hung proudly above the barn’s wide double doors.

The farm was bustling with activity. Families bundled in thick coats and scarves walked between rows of neatly planted Christmas trees. The trees varied in size and shape, their green branches heavy with a dusting of snow that sparkled faintly in the light. Despite their relative height, they seemed small compared to the towering pines that framed the edges of the farm, their massive forms swaying gently in the cold winter breeze.

Children ran excitedly through the rows, their laughter ringing as they darted between trees. Some carried tiny saws, eagerly helping their parents cut down the perfect tree, while others tugged brightly colored sleds laden with freshly cut trees. The scent of pine hung heavily in the crisp air, mingling with the faint aroma of spiced cider wafting from a nearby vendor’s stall.

The stall was next to the barn, where a cheerful Amazon man served steaming cups of cider and hot chocolate. A small fire pit crackled nearby, surrounded by benches where families gathered to warm their hands and sip their drinks.

Holiday music played softly from speakers near the barn, with familiar melodies adding to the festive atmosphere. Brightly colored signs directed visitors to different parts of the farm: “Tree Cutting Tools,” “Hot Cocoa and Snacks,” and “Photos with Santa,” the last accompanied by a painted wooden cutout of Santa and his sleigh.

Emily’s eyes widened as she took in the sight, the sheer joy and cheerfulness of the scene filling her chest with warmth. “It’s… it’s like something out of a Christmas movie,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Hannah, lying snugly in her rear-facing car seat, craned her neck to catch a glimpse of the farm. Her eyes widened slightly behind her pacifier, and though she didn’t say anything, the faint sparkle of wonder in her expression mirrored Emily’s.

Daddy chuckled, his smile widening as he pulled the car into a designated parking spot. “Wait until you see it up close,” he said, turning off the engine. “This is going to be fun.”

Daddy parked the car near the barn, and the vehicle stopped gently. He stepped out quickly, moving to unbuckle Emily from her toddler car seat. She eagerly climbed down with his help, her eyes immediately drawn to the bustling activity of the farm. Her breath fogged in the chilly air as she took it all in, her heart racing excitedly.

“This is incredible,” Emily said, her voice full of awe.

Daddy chuckled warmly as he opened the door on Hannah’s side, carefully unbuckling her from the rear-facing car seat. He gathered her into his arms, her pink snowsuit making her look like the adorable baby she was dressed as. “Wait until you see the barn,” he said, his voice full of warmth.

Emily turned toward the barn as Daddy took her hand and led her across the parking lot. Around them, cheerful families bustled with activity—children darting between cars, parents laughing and chatting as they carried freshly cut trees, and littles bundled in cozy outfits toddling alongside their Amazon caregivers.

The barn doors were wide open, spilling warm golden light onto the snow-covered ground outside. As they stepped inside, Emily’s breath caught in her throat.

The interior of the barn was transformed into a dazzling Christmas wonderland. A massive tree stood proudly in the center, its branches stretching to the rafters. The tree was adorned with shimmering ornaments, delicate strings of twinkling lights, and glittering tinsel that reflected the warm glow of the barn’s festive lighting. A glowing star cast a gentle light at its top over the scene below.

The barn was carefully decorated, with every beam and post wrapped in garlands of greenery and strings of colorful lights. Wreaths adorned with red bows and pinecones hung along the walls, and holiday banners with phrases like “Merry Christmas” and “Joy to the World” added to the festive atmosphere.

Against one wall, a short line of families patiently waited, focused on the barn's far end. Beside the towering tree stood a grand red-and-gold chair, its frame carved with intricate swirls and festive designs. Santa Claus was seated in the chair, his jolly laughter carrying across the barn as he spoke with a Little one perched on his knee.

The Little, dressed in a bright red onesie with white trim, was grinning ear to ear as they spoke to Santa, who leaned down to listen intently. A photographer nearby snapped pictures, capturing the moment as families in line smiled and chatted, the holiday spirit filling the air.

Emily’s eyes sparkled as she took it all in, the sheer magic of the scene washing over her. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered, clutching Daddy’s hand tightly.

Daddy smiled warmly down at Emily, his eyes sparkling with affection. “I thought you’d like it,” he said softly, adjusting his hold on Hannah as he stepped toward the line near Santa’s chair.

Emily hesitated, her steps faltering slightly as her gaze landed on the Amazon Santa Claus seated at the end of the barn. The man was larger than life, his jolly demeanor amplified by his booming laugh and the way he gestured animatedly to the Littles perched on his knee. Despite the festive atmosphere, Emily couldn’t ignore the faint knot of apprehension tightening in her stomach.

Daddy must have sensed her unease. He gave her hand a gentle yet firm squeeze, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in a comforting gesture. “It’ll be okay,” he said softly, his voice steady and reassuring. “I promise.”

Emily glanced up at him, his calm confidence easing some of her worry. She nodded slowly, taking a deep breath to steady herself. “Okay,” she murmured, squeezing his hand back.

The line moved steadily, with families taking turns as their little ones sat on Santa’s lap, sharing whispered wishes and posing for pictures. The festive hum of the barn surrounded them, and the soft glow of the Christmas lights cast a warm ambiance over the scene.

As they neared the front, Emily’s apprehension grew, her pulse quickening despite her best efforts to stay calm. Hannah, meanwhile, nestled contentedly in Daddy’s arms, her pacifier bobbing rhythmically as she observed the scene with wide eyes.

Finally, after what felt far too short, they found themselves at the front of the line. The photographer gestured for them to step forward, and Santa’s booming laugh greeted them as his arms opened wide in a welcoming gesture.

As they approached Santa, his jovial smile widened, his rosy cheeks glowing under the twinkling lights. His gaze shifted between the two girls, and his booming voice carried over the festive hum of the barn. “Well, look at this! A Little and a Baby? Daddy, you’ve got your hands full!”

Emily blinked, her steps faltering momentarily as she processed his words. She quickly realized what had happened—Santa thought Hannah was a baby. Her eyes darted to her sister, catching the way Hannah’s face turned a deep shade of crimson, her pacifier bobbing furiously as she squirmed slightly in Daddy’s arms.

The flush of humiliation on Hannah’s cheeks was unmistakable, and Emily couldn’t help but feel sympathy for her. At the same time, she fought to suppress a small, nervous smile at the situation's absurdity.

Santa didn’t notice Hannah’s reaction, his attention returning to them. “Come on up, girls!” he said warmly, patting his knee in invitation. “Let’s get a nice photo for Daddy to remember this Christmas.”

Daddy stepped forward, carefully settling Hannah on Santa’s knee. The soft bulk of her diaper crinkled audibly as she was positioned. Her wide eyes darted to Emily for reassurance. Emily offered her a quick, supportive smile before stepping forward herself.

As Emily was lifted onto Santa’s other knee, she felt the warm press of the diaper beneath her dress crinkle loudly with the movement. Her face flushed slightly, and she folded her hands in her lap, trying to maintain some semblance of composure as the photographer adjusted the camera.

Santa gently placed a large, gloved hand on each girl’s back, his jolly laughter filling the air as he encouraged them to smile. “Say cheese!” he exclaimed, and the camera's flash captured the moment, forever capturing Emily and Hannah’s diapered shame, sitting there on Santa’s lap as Emily felt the first twinges of a full bladder aching for release.