The atmosphere in the apartment was tense as the inspector loomed over Ash, her clipboard clutched tightly in one hand as she gestured sharply with the other. Her narrowed eyes scanned every inch of the living room, lingering on Kaylee, who sat quietly on the couch, looking every bit the picture of a contrite Little.

“Paperwork,” the inspector snapped, her tone biting. “Where is it? Let’s start there.”

Ash, still in her pajamas and completely unprepared for the intrusion, stepped forward with a strained smile. “I don’t have it yet,” she admitted. “Kaylee is... a very recent addition. I haven’t had time—”

“Not an excuse,” the inspector cut her off, her voice sharp and unwavering. “You’ve had plenty of time to initiate the process. This level of negligence is unacceptable.”

Ash flinched at the accusation but kept her composure. “I was going to handle it after Christmas,” she said, her voice tinged with frustration. “She only recently came into my care, and I’ve been focused on settling her.”

The inspector raised an eyebrow, her skepticism radiating off her in waves. “First thing tomorrow, you will report to the office to get her papers in order,” she said sternly, jotting down notes on her clipboard. “This delay is exactly why the Little Care Act had to be strengthened. Too many caregivers think they can skirt around the rules.”

Ash clenched her jaw, biting back a retort. Instead, she nodded. “Understood.”

The inspector wasn’t satisfied, though. She turned her critical gaze to Kaylee, who was fidgeting slightly under the scrutiny. “Do you even know her true age?” the inspector demanded, her voice dripping with condescension.

Caught off guard, Ash hesitated. “Four years old,” she said after a moment, her voice uncertain.

The inspector’s lips twitched into a humorless smile. She crouched down, intensely studying Kaylee, making the shrunken Amazon squirm. After what felt like an eternity, the inspector straightened up, shaking her head. “No,” she said firmly. “She’s younger than that. Likely 30 to 42 months at most.”

Ash blinked, utterly baffled by the statement. “What are you talking about? She’s—”

“Your inexperience is showing,” the inspector interrupted, her tone sharp. “It’s painfully clear you don’t have the faintest idea of properly evaluating a Little’s development or needs. Frankly, I wonder if you’re fit for this role.”

Kaylee’s cheeks burned with humiliation, and Ash’s frustration boiled beneath the surface. “I’m doing my best,” Ash said, her voice tight. “And for your information, I’ve been running a daycare—”

“Spare me the excuses,” the inspector cut her off, returning to her clipboard. “This isn’t about your daycare; it’s about her. And right now, you’re showing a glaring lack of preparedness.”

The inspector’s words hung heavily in the air as Ash bit back her retort, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Kaylee glanced at her, the faintest flicker of sympathy crossing her face despite her embarrassment. The inspector continued writing on her clipboard, her expression of cold disapproval.

“Tomorrow,” the inspector repeated, her tone final. “If her paperwork isn’t filed and her age isn’t properly documented, there will be consequences. Consider this your only warning. The Little’s Adoption Center will be open; I expect you there.”

Ash’s frustration mounted. Her fists clenched at her sides as the inspector leveled her with a scornful look. The woman’s sharp tone cut through the air like a blade.

“What Little shows are you showing her?” the inspector demanded, her eyes narrowing as they flicked between Ash and Kaylee, who sat frozen on the couch.

Ash hesitated, knowing her answer would only make things worse. “I’m not showing her any,” she admitted, her voice quiet but firm.

The inspector’s face twisted into a mask of disbelief. “You’re not showing her any Little programming? None? Not even the basics?” She scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. “This is worse than I thought. How can you properly acclimate her to her new role without foundational content? She needs structure, guidance—”

“I’m giving her plenty of guidance,” Ash snapped, unable to hold her frustration back any longer. “She’s adjusting just fine without being force-fed brainwashing cartoons.”

The inspector’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Clearly, you don’t understand the importance of these programs. Since you can’t even get the basics right, I’ll ensure she gets what she needs.”

Ash’s heart sank as the inspector reached into her bag, pulling out a tablet and tapping rapidly on the screen. “I’m personally signing her up for the latest episodes of Naomi and Oliver,” the inspector declared, her voice dripping with authority.

The name alone made Ash flinch, her stomach twisting in knots as memories of the programming she had endured as a Little flooded her mind. Her eye twitched involuntarily, but she said nothing, biting her tongue to keep from arguing.

The inspector turned her sharp gaze to Ash. “You’ll start showing her the episodes immediately. If I find out you’ve been neglecting this requirement, there will be consequences.”

Without waiting for a response, the inspector strode purposefully down the hall toward Ash’s bedroom. Ash followed reluctantly, her heart pounding as the woman pushed open the door to the nursery.

The inspector’s critical eyes scanned the room, taking in every detail with an air of disapproval. She gestured toward the changing table. “Let me see her diaper log.”

Ash’s stomach dropped. “I don’t have one yet,” she admitted reluctantly.

The inspector’s lips thinned, and she raised an eyebrow. “Her feeding charts, then?”

Ash shook her head, feeling the weight of the inspector’s judgment pressing down on her. “I haven’t started those yet, either,” she said quietly.

The inspector released a sharp, exasperated sigh, scribbling furiously on her clipboard. “This is unacceptable. You’re not logging her care properly, not implementing programming, and not following even the most basic guidelines of the Little Care Act.”

Ash stood silently; her jaw clenched as the inspector’s words lashed at her like a whip. Kaylee, still seated on the couch in the other room, glanced nervously toward the hallway, her face pale with anxiety.

The inspector turned back to Ash, her expression cold and unyielding. “Starting immediately, you will rectify these oversights. I’ll schedule a follow-up inspection, and if I find any further deficiencies, you’ll lose custody of her.”

Ash’s blood ran cold, but she nodded stiffly, forcing herself to keep her composure. The inspector made a final note on her clipboard before turning toward the door, her heels clicking against the floor with an air of finality.

“This is your only warning,” she said curtly. “Don’t waste it,” she turned and strolled from the room, demanding to see the daycare next.

Ash’s heart raced as she struggled to keep up with the inspector’s brisk pace. She leaned down and scooped Kaylee into her arms, who clung tightly to her. Her small arms wrapped around Ash’s neck as they descended to the daycare. Each step felt heavier than the last, dread pooling in Ash’s stomach.

The inspector stepped into the daycare and stopped short, her sharp eyes scanning the room. The freshly painted walls, polished floors, and carefully arranged play areas passed her scrutiny. Her gaze landed on the gleaming form of the Nanny bot standing motionless in its docking station.

“This is the latest model,” the inspector remarked, surprisingly approving. “Impressive. Not many facilities have upgraded to this yet.” She turned to Ash, arching an eyebrow. “Did you design this place yourself?”

Ash hesitated, unsure if this was a trap, but nodded. “I did.”

The inspector let out a hum of approval, striding further into the room as if appraising the worth of each corner. “Efficient layout. Organized and clean. You’ve done well with the physical space, at least.”

Ash’s breath hitched as the inspector turned to face her. “Now, let’s see the reports for your students.”

Ash opened her mouth to explain she hadn’t prepared them yet—there had been no time—but before she could utter a word, the Nanny bot sprang to life. Its sleek arms moved with mechanical precision as a monitor unfolded from its chest, glowing softly as it displayed a series of graphs, charts, and logs.

Ash stared in shock as the bot’s voice filled the room. “Daily reports compiled and accessible. Diaper changes logged. Feeding schedules logged. Verbal interactions monitored and archived.”

“Verbal interactions?” Ash whispered, her blood running cold. Her heart sank further as the inspector’s eyes lit up with interest, leaning closer to inspect the screen.

“Ah, this is excellent,” the inspector said, scrolling through the data. “Diaper logs are thorough; feeding times are consistent, and…” She paused, a smile curling on her lips. “Verbal logs. Fascinating. A feature I wasn’t aware this model had. You’re logging every word spoken in the daycare?”

Ash’s throat felt dry. “I… wasn’t aware of that feature either,” she admitted, her voice tight.

The inspector turned to her, her smile sharp and knowing. “Well, it’s a powerful tool. I’ll be reviewing these logs in detail later, of course. It’s critical to ensure compliance and appropriate conduct.”

Ash nodded stiffly, trying to keep her face neutral even as panic churned inside her. The bot’s logs could reveal everything—every word the Littles spoke, by her, by Kaylee. She could only hope that nothing damning had been captured.

The inspector closed the report on the monitor with a satisfied nod. “Your daycare shows promise, Ms. Ash. If you maintain this level of documentation and compliance, you might just make a name for yourself.”

Ash forced a tight smile, her grip on Kaylee tightening slightly. “Thank you,” she managed, though her mind was racing. The inspector’s words might have sounded like praise, but Ash felt the weight of the unspoken threat beneath them.

The inspector’s smile slipped, a frown forming as she scanned through the nanny bot’s logs, her sharp gaze cutting to Ash. “It appears your oversight on programming extends beyond your Little at home. The nanny bot reports no Little programming was used during the day.”

Ash’s stomach twisted into knots, her mind racing for an explanation. She forced herself to straighten, clutching Kaylee a little closer. “I’ve found that compliance can be achieved through other means,” she said carefully. “The Littles here responded well to structured activities and nurturing care. There was no need for additional programming.”

The inspector’s eyes narrowed, her expression skeptical. “No need? The Little Care Act stipulates that programming is essential to a compliant daycare. It’s not up to interpretation, Ms. Ash. The rules are in place for a reason.”

Ash’s pulse quickened as she struggled to maintain her composure. “With all due respect, I—”

“Save it,” the inspector interrupted, her tone icy. “You may think your methods are sufficient, but they do not align with government standards. You will lose this daycare if I don’t see immediate improvements, including the integration of approved Little programming. Am I clear?”

Ash nodded stiffly, her jaw clenched. “Crystal.”

The inspector studied her for a moment longer, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Good. I’ll be back soon to ensure compliance.” With that, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door, her shoes clicking sharply against the polished floor.

The sound of the door closing echoed through the now-quiet daycare. Ash stood frozen, the weight of the inspector’s threat pressing down on her like a storm cloud.

Kaylee shifted in her arms, her small voice breaking the silence. “Ash?”

Ash blinked, glancing down at her. Kaylee’s face was pale, her expression a mixture of concern and exhaustion.

“It’s going to be okay,” Ash said, though her voice wavered slightly. She wasn’t sure if she was trying to reassure Kaylee or herself. Her shoulders slumped as she walked to the nearest chair and sank into it, holding Kaylee close.

The silence stretched between them, heavy with the day’s events. Ash leaned her head back against the chair, staring at the ceiling. She was exhausted—bone-deep, soul-crushingly tired—but there was no time to rest. She had to figure out how to navigate this minefield the inspector had laid before her, all while keeping Kaylee safe and maintaining the integrity of her daycare.

“I won’t let her win,” Ash murmured, more to herself than Kaylee. “This is my daycare, my dream. And no one’s taking it away from me.”

Ash sat silently for a few more moments, her fingers brushing Kaylee’s back as she processed the inspector's words. The air in the daycare was still and heavy, filled with the weight of looming uncertainty.

Kaylee stirred in her arms, her voice calm but deliberate. “Ash… we should probably head back. I should watch the first episode.”

Ash’s head snapped to meet Kaylee’s gaze, her expression a mix of shock and confusion. “What? Are you serious? After everything that happened, you’re ready to throw yourself into that?”

Kaylee shrugged slightly, her demeanor surprisingly nonchalant. “Look, I know how these things work. The inspector will expect you to show immediate compliance, and if you don’t, things will worsen. Besides…” She hesitated, then continued, “I’m immune to the hypnotic effects, remember? It’ll just be mind-numbingly boring, not dangerous.”

Ash stared at her, processing the logic behind Kaylee’s words, though her heart rebelled against the idea. “But what if they track how you’re watching? If you don’t pay attention, will that not trigger red flags?”

Kaylee nodded. “They will be tracking; that’s why I need to do it to ensure it looks good on their end. They’ll monitor my engagement and compliance. If we’re lucky, it’ll buy us some breathing room.”

Ash sighed deeply, her lips pressing into a thin line. She hated this. Every fiber of her being rebelled at the thought of subjecting Kaylee to anything resembling what she’d endured. But Kaylee’s argument was sound, and Ash knew that noncompliance could spell disaster for Kaylee and the daycare and everything she’d worked for.

Finally, Ash nodded reluctantly, standing and shifting Kaylee higher in her arms. “Alright,” she said, her voice tinged with resignation. “But if anything feels off—even the slightest bit—you tell me, and we stop immediately.”

Kaylee offered a faint smile, her confidence contrasting Ash’s visible unease. “I’ll be fine, Ash. Really. Let’s just get it over with.”

Ash adjusted the strap of her bag and stepped out of the daycare, locking the door behind her. The journey back to the apartment was quiet. Ash tightened her protective grip on Kaylee to shield her from what would come. When they reached the elevator, Ash’s nerves felt like a tightly wound spring, ready to snap.

Ash set Kaylee down on the couch as they entered the apartment, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “You’re sure about this?” she asked one last time, her voice low.

Kaylee’s expression was steady, even as Ash's uncertainty lingered between them. “Ash, I’m sure about this,” she said with calm conviction. “Besides, once it starts, you can’t stop it. That’s part of the rules. Their monitoring system looks for compliance, and cutting it off midway would be worse than not starting it at all.”

Ash exhaled sharply, her unease evident. “That’s what worries me. I hate this.”

Kaylee offered a small, reassuring smile. “It’s fine, Ash. Just leave the room while it’s playing, okay? You don’t need to hear it. I’ll be fine. Better safe than sorry, we don’t want you being affected at all, just in case.”

Ash hesitated, then nodded, brushing her hand gently over Kaylee’s arm before moving toward the monitor. With reluctant fingers, she queued up the episode, the bright, cheerful tones of the opening music already making her stomach twist. She turned back to Kaylee, her eyes filled with unspoken apologies. “Good luck,” she murmured.

Kaylee nodded again, her gaze following Ash as she stood and left the room. The moment Ash was out of sight, the show began in earnest. As Ash reached the doorway to her room, she froze momentarily, her blood running cold at what she thought she heard. The cartoon characters—those saccharine voices she remembered all too well—welcomed Kaylee by name. Ash’s hand tightened briefly on the doorframe, the shock of it rendering her momentarily paralyzed.

She shook it off and retreated into her room, closing the door behind her. The muffled sound of the cartoon carried through the walls, sending shivers up her spine. She rubbed her arms, trying to push the memories away, and settled at her desk. Paperwork awaited—tedious but necessary to prepare for the inspector’s inevitable return.

As her fingers worked the keyboard, her mind drifted back over the day's events. The unrelenting demands of the inspector, the near miss with the daycare’s nanny bot logs, and the weight of Kaylee’s position as a Little in her care. Even if it was a technicality, the thought of putting Kaylee through that wretched show made her heartache.

But Ash knew she had to stay focused. The inspector’s expectations weren’t going away, and if she was going to protect her daycare—and Kaylee—she needed to ensure every box was checked and every log meticulously kept. She forced herself to keep typing, drowning out the muffled sounds of the cartoon with the steady clack of keys. But no matter how hard she tried, the faint echoes of cheerful voices and Kaylee’s name haunted her thoughts, a stark reminder of the world they were up against.

Ash's fingers paused mid-keystroke as her eyes caught sight of the envelope. It was neatly tucked into the paperwork she’d been sifting through, starkly contrasting the government-issued forms and rigidly formatted logs. Her brow furrowed. How had she missed it before?

Curiosity gnawed at her as she picked it up. The envelope was plain and unmarked, without a hint of who might have sent it. She flipped it over, examining it briefly before carefully cracking the seal. Inside was a single sheet of paper, the handwriting sharp and deliberate. As she unfolded it, her breath hitched slightly at the first line.

It was from Venli, from the Resistance.

The name alone sent a rush of emotions through Ash—shock, confusion, and a tinge of apprehension. Venli was a name she hadn’t thought she’d hear again, especially not like this. The Resistance leader had played a pivotal role in the events surrounding Hannah and Emily, orchestrating their escape from the clutches of the Amazon government.

Ash’s eyes darted over the words, absorbing them quickly.

Ash,

We’ve been watching. Not in the way they do—not to control or monitor you—but to understand if you’d be willing to help us. Your history, convictions, and recent choices make it clear that you care deeply about Littles and their well-being. We believe you could be an invaluable ally.

There’s much to discuss, and time is of the essence. If you’re willing, let’s meet. We must discuss what’s happening and how we might help each other.

• Venli 

The tone and purpose were unmistakable. Venli wanted to meet. Ash’s grip on the letter tightened slightly as her mind raced. Why now? What could the Resistance possibly want from her? Was this about Kaylee? Or her daycare?

Her gaze shifted toward the pile of paperwork on her desk. The very thought of the nanny bot’s hidden verbal logs sent a fresh wave of anxiety coursing through her. Venli’s timing couldn’t have been more precarious. Had the Resistance somehow intercepted those logs from the Nanny bot? Did they know what Ash was up against?

Ash leaned back in her chair, the letter trembling slightly in her hands. Glancing toward the closed door behind which Kaylee was enduring the wretched Naomi and Oliver episode, she felt guilt pierce her chest. What would this meeting mean for Kaylee, her daycare, and the fragile world she was trying to build?

Her lips pressed into a firm line as she refolded the letter and slipped it back into the envelope. Whatever the Resistance wanted, she couldn’t afford to ignore it. The stakes were too high, not just for her but for Kaylee and every Little who walked through her daycare’s doors.

Ash exhaled slowly, her resolve hardening. “Guess I’m not done fighting,” she murmured, setting the envelope aside and returning to the task.

Ash stood and rubbed the back of her neck as she stepped out of her room, rolling her shoulders to ease the stiffness from sitting at her desk for so long. The closing notes of the Naomi and Oliver theme song floated down the hall, their saccharine cheerfulness setting her teeth on edge. She let out a long yawn, stretching her arms overhead as she headed toward the living room.

Her mind was still swimming with thoughts about Venli’s letter, the inspector’s demands, and the increasingly tangled web she found herself in. The list of concerns seemed endless, but at least the episode was over and they could put this day to rest. Kaylee would undoubtedly be as frustrated as Ash felt and probably eager to vent about how mind-numbing it had been.

As she stepped into the living room, Ash froze mid-step. Kaylee was sitting on the plush rug before the screen, her thumb tucked securely in her mouth. Her once-sharp eyes, full of defiance and wit, were hazy and unfocused, almost as if a veil had been pulled over her mind. The room was eerily quiet except for the faint hum of the television powering down.

Ash cocked an eyebrow, unease creeping into her chest. “Kaylee?” she called softly, her voice tinged with hesitation. She took a step closer, her bare feet brushing the edge of the rug. “Kaylee, are you okay?”

Kaylee didn’t respond. She continued nursing her thumb, her head tilting slightly as she swayed where she sat. Ash’s concern deepened, and she moved closer, crouching beside the girl. “Kaylee?” she tried again, her voice firmer this time.

At the sound of Ash’s voice, Kaylee’s gaze snapped up, her glassy eyes locking onto Ash’s. A wide, unrestrained grin spread across Kaylee’s face, and she let out a high-pitched giggle around her thumb. Ash’s stomach dropped.

“Kaylee?” Ash whispered, her heart thudding painfully in her chest.

Without warning, Kaylee pulled her thumb from her mouth, holding her hands toward Ash in an undeniably childlike gesture. “Mommy!” she cried gleefully, her voice light and unburdened, as if the world's weight had been stripped away.

Ash felt her blood run cold. The word hit her like a physical blow, the sheer absurdity of it clashing with everything she knew about the fiercely independent Amazon Kaylee had been. She stared at the girl, utterly dumbfounded, her mind scrambling to piece together what she witnessed.

Kaylee’s giggle bubbled up again, her hands reaching for Ash as if nothing in the world could make her happier than being held. The innocence in her expression was so complete, so unnervingly genuine, that it sent shivers down Ash’s spine.

Ash hesitated for a fraction of a second before scooping Kaylee into her arms. The girl snuggled into her chest immediately, her body warm and pliant, her head resting on Ash’s shoulder.

“Kaylee,” Ash said softly, her voice trembling. “What…what’s going on? Talk to me.”

But Kaylee didn’t respond, only letting out another soft giggle as she nuzzled closer, her thumb slipping back into her mouth. Ash’s arms tightened protectively around her as her mind raced. Whatever had happened during that episode, it wasn’t just boring. Something had changed, and Ash didn’t know if she could fix it.