The soft glow of the overhead lights bathed the apartment in a cozy ambiance as Ash and Kaylee lounged on the couch. The aroma of their simple dinner—grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of tomato soup—lingered in the air, a comforting reminder of the normalcy Ash was trying to hold onto. The plates rested on the coffee table in front of them; one still half-full as Kaylee poked absently at her sandwich, lost in thought.

Ash, sitting cross-legged on the couch, leaned back against the cushions, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she recounted a moment from the daycare earlier in the day. Her voice carried an easy warmth, and her laughter punctuated the story as she gestured animatedly. This starkly contrasted the tension that had defined so much of their recent days.

Nestled against the armrest, Kaylee was dressed in her daycare uniform, which, with its snug fit, reminded her of her current predicament. A blanket was draped loosely over her legs, a small attempt to reclaim some sense of comfort. Despite the humiliation of her day, Kaylee found herself chuckling softly at Ash’s retelling, her eyes momentarily lighting up.

On the TV, a muted sitcom played, its characters moving in exaggerated gestures as canned laughter filled the gaps in their conversation. The rhythmic hum of the heating system added a layer of white noise, making the space feel enclosed and secure—if only for a fleeting moment.

Ash reached for her mug of tea, blowing gently on the steaming liquid before taking a sip. “I think the parents were impressed,” she said, her tone thoughtful as she set the mug down. “Even if I was ready to collapse by the end of it.”

Kaylee smirked faintly, pulling the blanket higher over her legs. “You’re tougher than you think,” she said, her voice quieter than usual. “Even if I wouldn’t recommend taking over the world of daycare anytime soon.”

Ash chuckled, a genuine laugh that eased some of the lingering tension. She glanced at Kaylee, her expression softening. “Thanks. That means a lot coming from you, considering… everything.”

Kaylee nodded, nursing her slightly cooled tea served in a sippy cup. She felt the faintest embarrassment but pushed it aside as she glanced at Ash. “Did you have any luck finding anyone interested in working at the daycare?” she asked, her voice calm, though the sippy cup constantly reminded her of her current predicament.

Ash sighed, leaning back against the cushions and brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I’ve got a few potential candidates lined up,” she said, her tone tinged with cautious optimism. “They’re coming in after Christmas for a trial run. Honestly, I can’t believe this is happening—my dream is becoming a genuine reality.”

A small smile tugged at Kaylee’s lips as she watched Ash’s expression soften, her enthusiasm shining through the day's fatigue. “You’ve worked hard for this,” Kaylee said, her voice quieter now. “It’s… nice to see it coming together.”

Ash glanced over, her lips curling into a warm smile. “Thanks, Kaylee. That means a lot.”

Kaylee sipped her tea in silence, the cozy hum of the apartment filling the gaps in their conversation. The warmth of the drink and the subdued lighting seemed to wrap around them, creating a rare, fleeting moment of peace. For the first time in a long while, the weight of their circumstances didn’t feel quite so heavy.

Ash set her mug on the coffee table, shifting slightly to face Kaylee. She studied her for a moment, her expression softening as she spoke. “You know, I’ve been thinking about everything we’ve been through. It’s… not how I imagined things would turn out between us.”

Kaylee glanced up from her sippy cup, her brow furrowing slightly. “Yeah, well, I guess neither of us signed up for this,” she said, her voice tinged with humor and resignation. “But here we are.”

Ash chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Here we are,” she echoed. “And as much as I hated the betrayal, as much as I wanted to push you away for what happened… I can’t. I think I’ve realized something.”

Kaylee tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “What’s that?”

Ash’s gaze softened further, her tone gentle. “You’re not just someone who hurt me. You’re someone who’s struggling, just like I was. And maybe we’re both better off if we stop seeing each other as the person we used to be and start focusing on who we can be now.”

Kaylee blinked, her grip on the sippy cup tightening slightly. “That’s… more than I deserve,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

“No,” Ash said firmly, reaching out and resting a hand on Kaylee’s arm. “It’s exactly what you deserve. Everyone deserves a second chance. And honestly… I think we’re both learning how to rebuild together.”

Kaylee’s lips trembled, and she let out a shaky breath. “I never meant to ruin things between us, Ash. I just… I didn’t know how else to help.”

Ash gave her a small smile, her thumb brushing lightly against Kaylee’s arm. “We can figure it out together. It’s not perfect, and it’s not easy. But you’re not alone in this. Not anymore.”

The two sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their words settling between them like a fragile bridge over the scars of their shared past. Kaylee finally set her sippy cup down and leaned closer, resting her head against Ash’s shoulder.

“Thanks,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “For not giving up on me.”

Ash smiled, resting her cheek against the top of Kaylee’s head. “Thanks for giving me a reason not to.”

For a brief moment, amidst the chaos and uncertainty of their lives, the warmth of their shared connection filled the room—a small but powerful beacon of hope for the future they were building together.

A firm, authoritative knock at the door shattered the moment of peace. Both Ash and Kaylee froze, their gazes snapping toward the sound. Ash gently shifted Kaylee off her shoulder, her heart pounding as she approached the door.

As soon as the door swung open, an imposing Amazon woman stepped inside, her tailored black suit exuding authority. Her piercing gaze swept the room, landing squarely on Kaylee, still perched awkwardly on the couch in her daycare uniform, clutching her sippy cup.

"Good evening," the woman said briskly, clipped and businesslike. "I’m Inspector Marta Thorne, conducting a routine compliance inspection under the Little Care Act. This is your Little, I presume?" Her eyes narrowed as she sized up Kaylee, a hint of skepticism in her expression.

Ash’s throat tightened, but she forced herself to nod. "Yes, this is Kaylee."

Inspector Thorne’s lips pressed into a thin line as she retrieved a sleek tablet from her briefcase. "I’ll need to see her records, including documentation of her care and any incidents that may have occurred while under your supervision."

Kaylee’s cheeks flushed, her grip on the sippy cup tightening as her mortification grew. Ash stepped toward the inspector, her stomach twisting with unease.

"Of course," Ash said, her voice steady despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface. She motioned toward the kitchen counter, where the neatly organized folder containing Kaylee’s records rested. "Everything is right here."

The inspector followed Ash, her sharp eyes flicking over every detail of the apartment as they moved. She picked up the folder and began leafing through the records, her expression unreadable.

"You seem organized," Thorne commented, though there was no warmth in her tone. She glanced over her shoulder at Kaylee, who was doing her best to avoid eye contact. "But I’ll be conducting my assessment. I trust you won’t mind if I observe your interactions with her."

Ash hesitated for the briefest moment, then nodded. "Not at all."

Thorne’s gaze sharpened as she returned her attention to Kaylee. "Well then," she said, her voice carrying an undercurrent of command. "Let’s see how well you’re adhering to the regulations."

Kaylee glanced at Ash, her eyes wide with worry and pleading. Ash gave her the faintest reassuring nod before turning back to the inspector.

Their quiet evening had just taken a dramatic turn.

*

Hannah nursed her pacifier nervously as Daddy patted her back. The rhythmic motion calmed her despite the ever-present blush warming her cheeks. His hand rested briefly on her thickly padded bottom, giving it a light pat.

"Do you need to go potty anymore before I change you?" he asked gently, his voice filled with care but tinged with a playful undertone that made Hannah's face flush even deeper.

She whimpered softly behind her pacifier, mortified by the question. Trying to focus on the moment rather than her embarrassment, she closed her eyes and let herself relax. The faint warmth of her bladder releasing spread through the impossibly thick diaper, but she could barely tell she’d wet herself at all. The bulk of the padding absorbed everything effortlessly, leaving her with the odd realization that she could probably go ten more times and still not notice.

“Good girl,” Daddy cooed, clearly able to tell from how her body shifted slightly in relief. He gently laid her down on the couch, his hands deftly supporting her. The soft crinkle of the plastic-backed diaper filled her ears as he began to unsnap her sleeper.

Her pacifier bobbed slightly as she sucked on it for comfort, trying to ignore the humiliation bubbling inside her. The sleeper was peeled back, revealing her diaper's swollen, slightly discolored state. Daddy made a soft hum of acknowledgment, carefully pressing the tabs to release them.

Hannah squirmed faintly, feeling the cool air against her skin as the heavy diaper was pulled away. She kept her eyes on the ceiling, her pacifier doing its best to shield her from the overwhelming sense of exposure.

“Let’s get you all cleaned up,” Daddy said softly, his tone soothing as he began wiping her with gentle, practiced hands. Despite her embarrassment, there was something undeniably comforting about his care. In these quiet moments, she felt her inner conflict most acutely—torn between the indignity of being treated like a baby and the strange solace it brought.

With the old diaper rolled up and tossed aside, Daddy reached for one of the ultra-thick diapers that had become a part of her new reality. As he slid it under her, Hannah couldn't help but notice its sheer size. It practically engulfed her, crinkling audibly as he secured the tabs snugly. She whimpered softly behind her pacifier, her face burning as he gently patted the front.

“There we go,” Daddy said with a warm smile, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “All fresh and clean, my sweet girl.”

Hannah felt a flicker of relief, though her cheeks remained bright pink. She tried to sit up, only to realize how much the new diaper hindered her movement, forcing her to crawl rather than attempt toddling. Daddy noticed her struggle and scooped her back into his arms, rocking her gently as he spoke softly.

"You’re doing so well, Hannah," he murmured. "I’m so proud of you."

Daddy sat back on the couch, cradling Hannah in his lap, her thickly padded bottom resting snugly against him. Emily crawled beside them, settling comfortably as she leaned into his side. The cozy warmth of the living room, combined with the faint glow of the Christmas tree, made the moment feel almost magical.

“I still can’t believe it sometimes,” Daddy said softly, gently patting Hannah’s diaper. His gaze shifted between the two girls, his expression full of genuine affection. “How lucky I got to have you both back with me. You’re my world, you know that?”

Hannah felt her heart swell at his words, her cheeks pink as she buried her face in his chest. Despite all the struggles and humiliating moments, hearing Daddy speak with such sincerity made her feel truly cherished. Her arms curled around him, hugging him tightly as her pacifier bobbed softly in her mouth.

Sitting beside them, Emily felt the warmth of his words, too. She looked up at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “We’re the lucky ones,” she murmured, her voice soft but steady. “To have you.”

Daddy chuckled, the sound low and comforting. “No arguments there,” he teased, ruffling Emily’s hair affectionately. “But I mean it. You’ve brought so much light into my life. I can’t imagine it without you.”

Both girls felt the weight of his words and a shared warmth spread between them. Despite their challenges—the overwhelming presence of the Amazon government, their infantilizing expectations, and the looming threat of their minder—this moment was theirs, untouched and pure.

Hannah peeked at him, her blush deepening as she whispered around her pacifier, “Love you, Daddy.”

Emily nodded in agreement, her gaze full of quiet emotion. “Love you too.”

Daddy kissed the top of Hannah’s head, then leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on Emily’s forehead. “And I love you both,” he said warmly, his voice thick with emotion.

For a brief moment, the world outside didn’t matter. It was just them, wrapped in a cocoon of love and gratitude, holding on to the fleeting peace that bound them together.

Hannah nestled her head against Daddy’s chest, her pacifier bobbing softly as she basked in his embrace. His hand patted her thickly padded bottom in a soothing rhythm, the sound barely audible beneath the crinkling of her diaper. She felt safe, comforted, and, despite everything, genuinely content.

Daddy’s voice broke the comfortable silence. “I’ve got a surprise for you girls,” he said, his tone light and teasing. “But you’ll have to wait until Christmas day.”

Emily perked up instantly, her curiosity written all over her face. “A surprise? What kind of surprise?” she asked, her eyes lighting up as she leaned forward. “Come on, Daddy, give us a hint!”

Daddy chuckled, shaking his head. “No hints,” he replied with a playful grin. “It’s a secret, and I’m not spilling the beans. But I think…” He glanced down at Hannah, then back to Emily. “No, I hope you’ll both like it.”

Emily groaned dramatically, flopping back against the couch. “That’s not fair,” she whined, though her smile betrayed her excitement. “How are we supposed to wait that long?”

Hannah peeked up at Daddy, her cheeks slightly pink. “Is it something special?” she asked softly, her voice muffled slightly by her pacifier.

Daddy nodded, his gaze warm and filled with affection. “Very special,” he said, giving Hannah a little squeeze. “You girls deserve it.”

Emily sighed, her eager smile returning. “Fine,” she said, crossing her arms with mock indignation.

Hannah giggled at her sister’s antics, her excitement bubbling beneath her embarrassment. As much as she hated surprises, she couldn’t help but feel a little flutter of anticipation in her chest. She was sure it would be worth the wait, whatever Daddy had planned.

Emily furrowed her brow, her expression curious as she sat up slightly. “Hey, wait a second,” she said, glancing between Daddy and Hannah. “When is Christmas anyway? It’s spring back home.”

Daddy chuckled, his shoulders shaking lightly as he shifted Hannah. “Christmas here is the day after tomorrow,” he replied, the warmth in his voice unmistakable. “You didn’t think you’d have to wait long, did you?”

Both girls blinked, their mouths dropping open in unison. “What?” Emily exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief. “But it’s the middle of spring! How does that even make sense?”

Hannah’s pacifier fell from her lips as she joined her sister in staring at Daddy, equally astonished. “How can it be Christmas already?” she asked, her voice laced with confusion.

Daddy shrugged with a knowing smile, patting Hannah’s bum gently. “Seasons don’t align perfectly between our worlds,” he explained. “Besides, Christmas here is more about the spirit and tradition than the time of year. Snowfall’s common enough in these parts, so why not celebrate now?”

Emily glanced out the window, where the soft glow of holiday lights reflected off a fresh blanket of snow. She frowned for a moment before cracking a small smile. “Okay, I guess that makes sense… sort of,” she said, leaning back. “Still weird, though.”

Hannah giggled softly, tucking her head back against Daddy’s chest. “I don’t mind,” she admitted, her voice muffled. “It feels kind of nice… different, but nice.”

Daddy beamed down at her, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “That’s the spirit,” he said warmly. “Now, let’s make this Christmas one to remember, no matter when it happens.”

Both girls exchanged a glance, their initial shock fading into tentative smiles. Maybe a Christmas in spring wasn’t so bad after all.

A sharp knock echoed through the house, cutting through the warm holiday ambiance like a cold gust of wind. All three froze, and the cozy moment shattered in an instant. Hannah instinctively clung tighter to Daddy, her pacifier dropping as her eyes darted toward the door. Emily’s body tensed beside them, her earlier curiosity replaced by a sinking dread.

Daddy sighed softly, his expression tightening as he stood, cradling Hannah protectively. “Stay calm, girls,” he said gently, his voice steady but wary. “I’ll handle this.”

Emily nodded faintly, her fingers clutching the edge of the couch as Daddy moved toward the door. The knock came again, louder this time, making Hannah flinch. She buried her face in Daddy’s chest, her small body trembling slightly as he reached for the doorknob.

With a deep breath, Daddy opened the door, revealing Miranda Pierce standing there, clipboard in hand. Her sharp eyes immediately scan the room behind him. Her polished navy blazer was immaculate, and the tailored cut only enhanced her air of authority. Her lips curled into a thin smile, but her piercing gaze betrayed no warmth.

“Good evening, Welby,” Miranda greeted, her tone clipped and professional. Her eyes fell on Hannah, nestled in his arms, and her smile widened slightly. “I trust this isn’t an inconvenient time for a surprise inspection?”

Daddy’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, but he maintained his calm demeanor. “Not at all,” he replied evenly, stepping aside to let her in. “We’ve been expecting you... eventually.”

Miranda’s heels clicked against the hardwood floor as she entered, her gaze immediately shifting to Emily, who was still perched nervously on the couch. “Ah, there’s the other one,” she said, her tone laced with faint amusement. “I hope you’ve both been good little girls for your Daddy.”

Hannah’s cheeks burned as she pressed into Daddy’s chest, while Emily glared at her sister before looking back at Miranda. Neither dared to speak.

Miranda adjusted her clipboard, tapping her pen against it as she surveyed the room. “Let’s begin, shall we? I’ll need to review your compliance with the Little Care Act, including documentation, their behavior, and the accommodations you’ve provided. I trust everything is in order?”

Daddy nodded, his grip on Hannah tightening slightly. 

Miranda’s pen hovered over her clipboard as she looked up, her sharp eyes fixed on Daddy. “How has Hannah been responding to the newborn programming?” she asked, her tone clinical, betraying no trace of empathy.

Daddy hesitated, shifting Hannah slightly in his arms. “I haven’t implemented it yet,” he admitted carefully. “It was presented as optional.”

Miranda’s brows lifted, her expression hardening. “That’s no longer the case,” she stated matter-of-factly, her voice carrying an air of finality. “I need to observe its effects personally. Set her up, Welby.”

Hannah’s stomach dropped, the pacifier in her mouth doing little to muffle her soft whimper. Her small hands gripped Daddy’s shirt as she looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes. “Daddy...” she murmured, her voice muffled and barely audible.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” Daddy said gently, his voice pained as he kissed her forehead. “It’s just one episode. I’ll be right here.”

Hannah’s heart raced as Daddy carried her over to the infant baby bouncer, the padded contraption to restrict her movements completely. He carefully lowered her into it, fastening the straps securely around her chest and legs. She squirmed, and the bulky diaper and padded sleeper made her feel even more helpless than she already had. Her fingers brushed the smooth material of the bouncer as her gaze darted to Miranda, who was watching with a clinical detachment that made Hannah’s skin crawl.

Daddy adjusted the screen in front of her, the soft glow illuminating the room as he gently squeezed her hand. “It’ll be okay,” he said softly, his eyes full of regret. “I’ll be right here.”

The screen flickered to life, the cheerful opening tune blaring through the speakers. Bright, colorful images danced across the screen, drawing Hannah’s reluctant gaze. Her heart pounded as the familiar animated characters of Naomi and Oliver appeared, their exaggerated expressions and bubbly voices immediately grating on her nerves.

“Hello, baby Hannah!” Naomi cooed, her animated figure waving enthusiastically at the screen. “Are you ready for some fun?”

Hannah whimpered, her cheeks flushing as her name was called out. The screen felt like it was reaching into her very soul, stripping away what little autonomy she had left. She shifted in the bouncer, her movements restricted by the straps and thick diaper.

Miranda crossed her arms, her expression impassive as she observed. “Good,” she murmured. “Let’s see how she responds.”

The bright colors and saccharine voices felt oppressive, and the room closed around Hannah as the program continued. She wanted to scream, to cry, to break free of this contraption and flee, but all she could do was sit there, her body bound and her mind assaulted by the relentless programming.

“I’m right here, sweetheart,” Daddy said softly, his voice comforting amidst the chaos.

But as the programming intensified, Hannah felt the weight of her helplessness pressing down on her, a crushing reminder of how deeply she was trapped—not just in this world, but under the control of those who sought to strip away everything she was.