Hannah sat perched in her high chair, her legs dangling freely as the bustling energy of the Plaza Inn swirled around her. She nursed the bottle in her hands, the smooth rubber of the nipple pressing against her lips as she sucked slowly, her cheeks tinged pink. It wasn’t as bad as she’d imagined—the milk inside was sweet and warm, a comfort against the lingering embarrassment of being fed like an infant.

Daddy sat beside her, gently cutting small pieces of food from Emily’s plate and placing them on her tray. “Just some Little-safe bites for my little princess,” he said with a wink, putting a perfectly cut square of waffles in front of her.

Hannah picked it up gingerly, her mittened hands clumsy but functional enough to manage the task. She nibbled at it between sips of her bottle, savoring the sweet syrup that clung to its edges. It wasn’t ideal, but Daddy had at least tried to make her meal feel more dignified.

“I know the bottles are a pain,” Daddy said softly, leaning closer as he tapped the side of hers with a finger. “But we have to keep up with the bottle log. It’s part of the rules.”

Hannah sighed, pausing mid-sip. She glanced at the log Daddy kept meticulously on his phone; each bottle logged down to the minute. “I get it,” she muttered, her voice slightly muffled by the bottle in her mouth. “But it doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

Daddy chuckled, patting her head affectionately. “That’s why I help, sweetheart,” he said, taking the bottle and sipping it himself before handing it back. “Wanted to make sure it wasn’t too warm for you, pumpkin,” he said with a wink. 

Hannah rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips as she returned the bottle to her mouth. The warmth of Daddy’s gesture, as small as it was, made the situation a little more bearable. Around her, the sounds of clinking plates, cheerful laughter, and the distant hum of the park filled the air, reminding her that, despite the awkwardness, they were on a magical adventure together.

She glanced at Emily and Lucas, chatting and laughing, their plates piled high with food. For a moment, Hannah let herself sink into the comfort of the moment, her earlier frustrations melting away. She might be stuck with a bottle and a high chair, but at least she had her family.

Hannah watched Emily and Lucas, their laughter bubbling softly over the hum of the restaurant. Their faces lit up as they shared a joke, Lucas leaning in slightly, his eyes crinkling with a smile, and Emily’s cheeks glowing with the same warmth. There was an ease between them, a connection that felt effortless, unspoken. It was undeniable—Hannah had noticed the spark between them when Lucas saw Emily at the Christmas tree farm. That spark had only grown brighter.

Her fingers toyed absently with a piece of fruit on her tray as she nursed the last bit of her bottle. Emily had always been her person, her safe harbor in the chaos of their world. They had been each other’s everything—confidants and allies. Yes, there had been a time when their bond had edged deeper, more intimate. But that chapter had closed. What they had now was sisterly love, a familial bond strengthened by shared experiences and mutual understanding.

Still, as Hannah watched Emily’s face light up in a way it hadn’t in a long time, her chest tightened. It wasn’t an unfamiliar sensation, but she couldn’t quite place it. Was it jealousy? She hated the idea, but the thought lingered, gnawing at her. Not jealousy of Lucas, exactly—no, she didn’t want to be in his place. She wanted Emily to have someone like Lucas, who brought her joy and made her laugh with such genuine ease.

And yet…

Hannah sighed quietly, pushing the thought aside. She wanted Emily to be happy, didn’t she? Of course, she did. That was what mattered. Lucas seemed like a good person, and how he looked at Emily—like she was the most interesting, precious thing in the world—spoke volumes. If he could make Emily feel loved and valued in ways Hannah couldn’t, then that was something to celebrate, not resent.

Daddy’s hand gently brushed her shoulder, pulling her from her thoughts. “You okay, sweetheart?” he asked, his voice low and full of concern.

Hannah blinked up at him, offering a small, shaky smile. “Yeah,” she said softly, her cheeks flushing. “I’m fine.”

But as her gaze drifted back to Emily and Lucas, she couldn’t help but feel the quiet tug of something bittersweet in her heart. Happiness for her sister, yes—but also the faint ache of stepping back, of making space for someone new in their little world.

Daddy’s warm arms encircled Hannah, his comforting embrace grounding her as she rested her head against his chest. His hand gently stroked her back, the rhythm soothing, unspoken reassurance flowing from him. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” he murmured, his voice steady and calm. “I think I understand.”

Hannah sniffled softly, her emotions threatening to spill over as she tried to articulate the complicated tangle in her chest. “I’m happy for her, Daddy,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the restaurant. “I really am. But… it’s hard. We’ve been through so much together, and now…” She trailed off, unsure how to say it without sounding selfish.

Daddy nodded, his hand pausing briefly before resuming its gentle rhythm. “You and Emily share something special, something no one else can touch,” he said softly. “The kind of bond that comes from facing the world together, from being each other’s anchor. No matter who else comes into your lives, that doesn't change.”

Hannah closed her eyes, the weight of his words settling over her like a blanket. “But it feels like it’s changing,” she admitted, her voice tinged with vulnerability and guilt. “I know it’s not the same, but… I just don’t want to lose her.”

“You won’t,” Daddy said firmly, pulling back slightly to look her in the eyes. “Emily loves you just as you love her. That’s not something anyone can take away. No matter what blossoms between her and Lucas, your bond is unique. It’s irreplaceable.”

Hannah nodded slowly, the ache in her heart still present but softened. Her gaze drifted back to Emily, who was laughing at something Lucas said, her eyes bright and her smile radiant. That smile made the pain easier to bear. Hannah felt a quiet determination settle within her. She had leaned on Emily through so much, and now she wanted to see her sister thrive, flourish, and find joy beyond the shadow of their shared struggles.

Her lips curved into a faint, bittersweet smile. “She deserves to be happy,” Hannah said softly. “That smile of hers… it makes everything worth it.”

Daddy kissed the top of her head, his arms wrapped securely around her. “And you deserve to be happy too, Hannah,” he whispered. “Never forget that.”

Daddy gently wiped a crumb off Hannah’s cheek, his affectionate smile softening her lingering thoughts. Across the table, Evelyn leaned forward, her curiosity evident as she asked, “So, what do you kids think of the park so far?”

Lucas was the first to respond, his eyes sparkling despite his thoughtful tone. “It’s amazing,” he admitted, leaning back in his chair. “The sights, the sounds—like stepping into a storybook. But…” He hesitated, his brow furrowing slightly. “I can’t help but feel there’s something beneath all the magic, you know? Like there’s a layer we’re not supposed to see.”

Emily nodded in agreement, her hands resting on the table as she leaned forward. “I felt that too,” she said, her voice steady but laced with unease. “The way they’ve subtly twisted classic tales—it’s unsettling. The stories feel familiar, but then this undercurrent of Amazon values is woven into them. It’s like they’re reworking everything to fit their narrative.”

Evelyn’s expression shifted, a flicker of understanding crossing her face. “That’s intentional,” she said softly, her voice almost drowned out by the cheerful music playing in the background. “It’s how they reinforce their ideals, even in places like this. The magic draws you in, but the messaging—it’s always there, shaping perceptions.”

Hannah glanced at Emily, her eyes wide. She hadn’t been able to articulate the feeling herself, but hearing Emily and Lucas's voices brought it into sharper focus. Even amid such joy and wonder, there was an unsettling undertone, a reminder of the world they were navigating.

“I still love it, though,” Lucas added quickly, his grin returning. “Come on—it’s Disneyland or Amazonia’s version. How can you not be amazed?”

Emily laughed softly, her tension easing slightly. “True,” she admitted. “It’s hard not to get swept up in it.”

Evelyn smiled warmly, her gaze flicking between them. “It’s okay to enjoy it and be critical simultaneously,” she said. “You’re allowed to feel both wonder and caution.”

Daddy, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. “That’s why we’re here together,” he said, calm and reassuring. “To enjoy the magic, but also to keep each other grounded. We’re not alone in this.”

The group fell into thoughtful silence momentarily, the weight of their shared understanding settling over them. Despite the unease, there was a sense of unity, a determination to face whatever lay beneath the surface together.

Evelyn turned her kind gaze toward Hannah, her eyes flitting between the faces at the table. “And you, sweetie? What ride do you want to go on next?” Evelyn asked warmly, her question laced with gentle encouragement.

Hannah’s cheeks flushed slightly as all eyes turned to her. She hesitated, “Splash Mountain, I’ve always wanted to go on it.”

Emily’s face lit up with excitement, and Lucas grinned, his enthusiasm contagious. “Great choice!” Emily exclaimed. “I’ve been wanting to try that one too!”

The table buzzed with agreement as they quickly finished the last bites of their meals. Daddy smiled and gently unbuckled Hannah from her high chair, easily scooping her up. “Splash Mountain it is, then,” he said, his voice warm. He placed her in the stroller, fastening the straps snugly but comfortably. “Hold on tight, sweetheart.”

Emily and Lucas took each other’s hands and began to lead the way, their eager chatter filling the air. Evelyn and Welby exchanged amused glances as they trailed behind, pushing the strollers and navigating the lively crowds.

The path to Splash Mountain wove through whimsical scenery, the sound of distant laughter and rushing water growing louder with each step. Hannah peeked out from her stroller, her heart thumping with excitement and nerves. She’d seen videos of the ride before, but experiencing it firsthand in this larger-than-life world was entirely different.

As they approached the towering mountain, its flume glistening in the sun, the group paused to take in the view. The familiar strains of the ride’s cheerful tune wafted through the air, mingling with the delighted squeals of riders plunging down the final drop.

“This is going to be so much fun!” Lucas said, practically bouncing on his feet. Emily squeezed his hand and nodded, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Hannah couldn’t help but smile, her earlier worries momentarily forgotten as the moment's magic took hold. “Let’s do it,” she said softly, her voice carrying a spark of excitement.

Daddy expertly navigated the stroller into the designated parking area before lifting Hannah into his arms. She instinctively nuzzled into his chest, her small hands clutching his shirt as they joined the queue for Splash Mountain. The line wove through tunnels carved to resemble the storybook world of Br’er Rabbit, the earthy smell of damp wood and the faint sound of rushing water adding to the anticipation. Emily and Lucas walked ahead, chattering excitedly, their laughter echoing through the dimly lit passageways.

When they reached the boarding area, Daddy carefully stepped into the log flume, snugly settling Hannah in his lap. Emily and Lucas sat in front of them, and Lucas playfully nudged Emily as they got situated. The ride operator gave them a cheerful wave before sending the log.

Hannah clung tightly to Daddy as the log floated lazily along the ride's opening scenes, colorful animatronics bringing the whimsical tale to life. The gentle rocking of the log against the water felt soothing initially, but as the log picked up speed and approached the first incline, Hannah's heart began to race.

The chain lift clanked beneath them, pulling the log higher and higher. Hannah gripped Daddy’s arm, her eyes fixed on the sky above. From her perspective, the incline felt impossibly steep, the height dizzying. The entire park sprawled before them when they reached the peak like a living map. The sun glinted off the distant castle, and the sound of the bustling crowd drifted faintly upward. For a moment, the view was breathtaking.

Then, the log tipped forward.

The drop came suddenly, the near-vertical descent sending them hurtling down the flume at what felt like breakneck speed. The wind whipped against Hannah’s face, her small body pressed tightly against Daddy as she screamed, her voice blending with Emily’s and Lucas’s in a symphony of exhilaration and terror. The splash at the bottom erupted like a geyser, drenching them in a cool spray of water.

Hannah’s heart raced as the log steadied and drifted back into calmer waters. She could hear Emily and Lucas laughing ahead, their faces alight with joy as they turned to share the moment. Daddy looked down at her, his face glistening with water and a wide grin. “How was that, my brave girl?” he asked, his voice full of pride.

Hannah could only giggle, her cheeks flushed with adrenaline and happiness. “It was amazing!” she managed, clinging to him as the log continued its gentle course toward the end of the ride.

*

The warm steam rose gently from the bathwater, curling into the air like the remnants of a dream. Ash knelt beside the tub, her sleeves rolled up, methodically working the shampoo into Kaylee’s hair. The scent of lavender filled the room, a calming balm to the tension still lingering in her chest.

As Ash began rinsing the suds away, Kaylee’s eyes sparkled with mischief. With a flick of her wrists, she cupped her hands and splashed a small wave of water into Ash’s face.

“Hey!” Ash gasped, blinking water from her eyes as Kaylee dissolved into a fit of giggles, her laughter bubbling over like the bathwater around her. Ash wiped her face with her sleeve, a smirk tugging at her lips. “Alright, you little rascal,” she teased, scooping up a handful of water and flicking it back at Kaylee.

The playful retaliation earned her more laughter as Kaylee splashed back, her giggles ringing through the small bathroom. Ash’s smirk softened into a smile as she reached for the washcloth, gently wiping down Kaylee’s arms and legs. “Feeling better now?” she asked, her tone light but curious.

Kaylee’s laughter ebbed as she leaned back in the tub, her expression turning thoughtful. “I guess,” she said softly, watching the ripples dance across the water. “It’s just… hard sometimes. I feel like I’m losing track of where my thoughts stop and Naomi and Oliver’s start. Like… they’re creeping into places they don’t belong.”

Ash paused, her hand stilling mid-swipe as she studied Kaylee. The lighthearted moment had dissolved into something heavier, something fragile. She reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair from Kaylee’s forehead. “It’s okay to feel that way,” Ash said gently. “But you’re still you, Kaylee. No cartoon can take that away.”

Kaylee frowned, her thumb drifting to her mouth—a habit Ash knew was being deeply ingrained by the programming. She pulled it back with a grimace, her frustration clear. “It doesn’t feel like it sometimes. It’s like… they’re not just in my head but in everything I do and want. Even when I’m not watching.”

Ash exhaled slowly, her hand finding Kaylee’s beneath the water and reassuringly squeezing it. “We’ll figure it out,” she promised. “Whatever it takes, we’ll get through this together.”

Kaylee’s eyes met Ash’s, searching for reassurance, strength, and maybe just the comfort of knowing she wasn’t alone. Slowly, she nodded, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Thanks, Ash.”

Ash’s heart ached at the vulnerability in Kaylee’s voice, but she managed a grin, splashing her gently one last time. “Alright, let’s get you cleaned up. Can’t have my Little troublemaker smelling like bubble bath all day.”

Kaylee giggled again, this time with a lighter sound, and Ash resumed her task. The weight of their conversation lingered, but the moment of connection softened it.

Ash gently patted Kaylee’s back as she carried her to the bedroom. Her thoughts were tangled in a web of doubt and concern. The towel swaddled Kaylee snugly. Her damp hair stuck up in tufts as she cooed softly, her thumb drifting lazily toward her mouth. Ash pulled the towel tighter as though she could shield them from the storm of questions in her mind.

The thick diaper crinkled loudly as Ash secured it snugly around Kaylee’s waist. Her hands moved automatically, a well-practiced routine. She then slipped the soft pastel jumper over Kaylee’s head, fastening the snaps at the crotch, her eyes distant as she worked.

Kaylee giggled, squirming on the changing mat, and Ash managed a faint smile, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “There we go, all set,” she murmured, lifting Kaylee into her arms.

But her thoughts refused to settle.

Why was Kaylee so deeply affected? The question gnawed at her. Kaylee had always been sharp, a step ahead, her mind a steel trap that rarely let anything slip through. Ash had assumed that the same sharpness would shield her from the programming. Yet, now Kaylee seemed lost, her every giggle and thumb-suck a reminder of how far she had fallen under its spell.

Ash frowned, the memory of the nurse’s needle flashing through her mind. The injection. Was that the key? Had it heightened Kaylee’s susceptibility, breaking down whatever defenses she might have had?

A darker thought crept in, uninvited but insistent. ‘Had Kaylee intended this for me?’ Ash’s chest tightened. The serum and the injection had all been designed with a purpose. Kaylee’s purpose. She had claimed it was to help Ash undo the damage done, but what if there had been more to it? What if Kaylee had planned to shift the balance of power and level the playing field in a way Ash hadn’t anticipated?

She glanced down at the girl in her arms, who babbled contentedly, her hands reaching for Ash’s face. Kaylee’s eyes sparkled with innocence, a world away from the sharp, calculating gaze Ash had grown used to.

No. Ash shook her head, forcing the thought away. ‘This isn’t her, the real her,’ The bubbling baby in her arms, giggling without a care in the world, couldn’t have been plotting something so calculated, so cruel, but the Amazon could have.

The doubt lingered, a whisper at the back of her mind, one she couldn’t silence.

Ash carried Kaylee through the softly lit hallway, her arms cradling the freshly bathed Little. Kaylee nestled against her chest, her pacifier bobbing lazily as she gazed up at Ash with half-lidded eyes, content and subdued. The hum of activity from the daycare’s main room grew louder as they approached, the sounds of the nanny bot’s whirring motions blending with the occasional giggle or babble from the remaining Littles.

One of the Tweener aides, a bubbly young woman named Mira with short auburn hair, glanced up as Ash entered. She was crouched beside a Little who was intently stacking colorful blocks, her hands deftly guiding the child’s movements. Mira’s face lit up with a warm smile when she saw them. “Welcome back, Miss Ash. Looks like someone’s all fresh and cozy now.”

Ash chuckled softly, adjusting her grip on Kaylee as the girl yawned, her fingers curling against Ash’s shirt. “Thanks, Mira. She needed it after the day she’s had.”

Mira stood, brushing off her uniform, and approached with an amused gleam in her eyes. “I’m sure she did. Poor thing. It looked like she was in desperate need of some TLC earlier. But don’t worry, we cared for her while you were busy.”

“I know you did,” Ash said, her voice carrying genuine appreciation. “I saw how well you handled everything today, especially with her. You’re a natural.”

Mira blushed slightly, waving a hand dismissively. “It’s all in a day’s work. Littles just need a bit of patience and understanding. Plus, Kaylee’s not so bad once she settles down.”

Ash nodded, her gaze drifting to the nearly spotless daycare. The nanny bot methodically wiped down the play tables, its mechanical arms moving with precision as it tidied up the last of the toys. “The workers were finishing up the new tubs today,” Ash remarked, glancing back at Mira. “It’ll be a relief to have those installed. No more sending Littles home a mess if we don’t have to.”

Mira laughed, her hands resting on her hips. “That’ll be a game-changer. Some of these Littles can’t go five minutes without needing a cleanup. And with the programming ramping up, well…” She trailed off, her expression growing slightly more serious. “Let’s just say it’s good to be prepared.”

Ash tightened her hold on Kaylee, her jaw setting briefly at Mira’s words. “Yeah. Prepared,” she echoed, her voice quieter. She felt Kaylee shift slightly, her soft sigh pulling her from her thoughts.

“Well,” Mira said, breaking the momentary silence, “I’ll finish tidying up here and then head out. But if you need anything else, just holler.”

“Thanks, Mira. I appreciate it.” Ash offered a small smile, her gratitude genuine as she watched the Tweener return to her tasks.

With Kaylee still snuggled in her arms, Ash moved toward the playroom’s corner and settled into one of the rocking chairs. The gentle creak of the chair’s motion and the rhythmic hum of the nanny bot filled the room as she rocked Kaylee slowly. Her thoughts once again drifted to the ever-growing weight of their situation.

Ash adjusted Kaylee slightly, cradling her closer as the soft suckling sounds filled the room. The bottle tilted gently, its contents flowing steadily, and Kaylee nursed without hesitation, her pacifier discarded on the nearby table. Her eyes fluttered closed, her tiny hands clutching at Ash’s shirt, the faintest hum of contentment escaping her lips.

Ash’s hand moved automatically, patting Kaylee’s thickly padded bottom in a soothing rhythm. The moment's warmth should have brought comfort, but unease simmered beneath the surface. How much of this was Kaylee? How much of the girl’s behavior—her easy compliance, playful giggles, and eagerness to please—was truly her, and how much had been shaped, manipulated, and stolen by the programming?

Ash’s jaw tightened as she watched Kaylee, her tiny chest rising and falling with each contented breath. It was unnerving. She’d seen Littles like this before; their spark dimmed, their individuality blurred under layers of carefully curated infantilization. Kaylee wasn’t supposed to be one of them. She was strong, clever, and resourceful. And yet, here she was, nursing like she’d been doing it her whole life, her face the picture of peace.

Ash sighed, her fingers lightly tracing Kaylee’s soft curls. It wasn’t right. No person should be forced into this. Littles were people, not dolls or playthings, to be molded and controlled. She hated seeing Kaylee like this for what it represented and what it meant about her failure to protect her.

“I’m sorry, Kaylee,” Ash whispered, her voice barely audible over the hum of the nanny bot. “I’ll find a way to fix this. I promise.”

Ash gently lifted Kaylee to her shoulder, patting her back as soft burps escaped the Little. “Good girl,” she murmured, stroking her hair. Kaylee snuggled closer, her thumb drifting to her mouth as her eyes began to flutter shut again.

Just then, the soft chime of Mia’s voice broke the calm. “Ash, someone is here to check in.”

Ash blinked, confused. The daycare was minutes from closing, and no one had mentioned a late appointment. Her brow furrowed in curiosity as she shifted Kaylee in her arms and made her way toward the front desk.

The sight waiting for her was unexpected—a Tweener girl stood nervously, her hands gripping the handles of a modest stroller. She couldn’t have been more than twenty, her wide eyes darting around the room as though wary of being seen. Ash’s eyes narrowed slightly as she approached. “Can I help you?” she asked, her tone cautious but polite.

The Tweener girl hesitated, then met Ash’s gaze. “Are you… Ash?” she asked softly, her voice carrying a nervous tremor.

Ash’s defenses immediately went up. She adjusted her grip on Kaylee, nodding. “That’s me. What’s this about?”

Without a word, the girl turned the stroller around, pulling back the soft pink blanket draped over it. Ash’s breath caught in her throat.

Nestled inside, beneath a frilly bonnet and a thick, pastel-colored blanket, was Venli. Her sharp green eyes peered up at Ash, a mixture of tension and urgency written across her face. “Ash,” she said, her voice low but firm. “We need to talk.”

Ash’s mind raced as she stared at the unexpected sight before her. Venli—the brilliant scientist turned Resistance operative—reduced to this? Her stomach twisted at the thought. 

“You’re the last person I expected to see today,” Ash said, her voice steady despite her surprise. “What’s going on?”

Venli’s lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze flicking to the Tweener girl, who stood silently nearby. “I didn’t know where else to meet,” Venli admitted, her voice very vulnerable. “Can we talk in private?”

Ash nodded slowly, her curiosity and concern mounting. She gestured toward the hallway leading to her office. “This way,” she said, her tone soft but commanding.

Ash couldn’t shake the unease settling in her chest as they moved. Whatever brought Venli here, it wasn’t good. But if Venli had risked so much to find her, Ash knew it had to be important. She could only hope she was prepared for what came next.