Welby leaned back in his chair, savoring the mint julep's refreshing coolness as the gentle hum of Disneyland filled the air around them. The children's laughter, the distant sound of a merry-go-round, and the occasional cheerful announcement over the park’s speakers blended into a symphony of warmth and life. The shaded dining area offered a reprieve from the afternoon sun, and the overhead fans lazily spun, sending soft breezes across Welby's face.

Evelyn sat across from him, her glass in hand, a contented smile gracing her lips. She glanced over at the strollers, where the three Littles slept peacefully beneath their shaded covers, their soft breaths barely audible over the ambient noise.

“They look so sweet like that,” Evelyn murmured, her voice carrying a mix of affection and weariness. “Sometimes I wonder how much they understand everything we’re doing to keep them safe.”

Welby nodded, his fingers idly tracing the condensation on his glass. “It’s a lot for them to process, especially in a place like this.” He glanced over at the strollers, his gaze softening. “But at least for now, they get to feel like kids. Just... happy, carefree kids.”

Evelyn tilted her head, studying him. “You’re a good Daddy, Welby,” she said gently. “How you handle Emily and Hannah, how you’ve stepped up for them... it’s not easy, but you’ve done right by them.”

Welby chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m just doing what I can. Half the time, I feel like I’m making it up as I go.”

“That’s parenting,” Evelyn replied with a laugh, her tone light but understanding. “No manual, no guidebook, just a lot of guesswork and hope.”

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, sipping their drinks as the warm afternoon settled around them. The shade provided a cool refuge, and the murmur of the park’s activity felt almost soothing.

Welby broke the silence after a moment, his voice thoughtful. “Do you ever think about what life would’ve been like if you hadn’t taken Lucas in? If you’d stayed out of all this?”

Evelyn paused, her expression contemplative as she swirled the ice in her glass. “Sometimes,” she admitted. “But then I think about the joy he’s brought into my life. The way he looks at me, trusts me, even with everything going on... I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”

Welby smiled at her answer, raising his glass slightly in a silent toast. “To find joy in the chaos,” he said softly.

Evelyn grinned, clinking her glass against his. “To make it through, one day at a time.”

They sat together, sharing quiet stories and exchanging laughs, the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding weaving tighter with each passing moment. 

Welby’s gaze wandered across the bustling park as he swirled the remnants of his mint julep. He took a moment to soak in the cheerful sights before speaking. “You’ve inspired me, Evelyn,” he said, his tone soft yet tinged with warmth.

Evelyn tilted her head, a playful grin spreading across her face. “Oh? And how’s that?”

He chuckled, setting his glass down and leaning forward slightly. “Positive reinforcement,” he said simply. “I’ve been thinking about how you approach things with Lucas, rewarding the good behavior instead of focusing on the bad. It’s... well, it’s got me rethinking a few things.”

Evelyn’s grin widened, her curiosity piqued. “Do tell, Welby. What exactly did you do?”

Welby leaned back, his arms crossing over his chest, his grin matching hers. “The girls were absolute angels on the train ride here,” he began. “No fussing, no complaints. They even used their diapers without any drama, which is a miracle considering how much they hate being reminded of their dependency, well, at least Emily.”

Evelyn nodded, her eyes sparkling with interest. “And you rewarded them for that?”

Welby’s grin turned mischievous. “I did. Once we got to the hotel, I gave them some special time with their magic wand.”

Evelyn burst into laughter, her hand flying to her mouth to stifle the sound. “Oh, Welby, you didn’t!” she said between giggles.

“Oh, I did,” he replied, his tone smug. “And let me tell you, they loved it. I’ve never seen Hannah relax so much, and Emily... well, let’s just say she was glowing afterward.”

Evelyn shook her head, still grinning ear to ear. “You’re full of surprises, Welby. I bet they were over the moon.”

“They were,” he confirmed with a chuckle. “It was worth it, seeing them so content. Sometimes we forget that for all their needs, Littles still deserve to feel good about themselves in every sense of the word.”

Evelyn grinned and nodded in agreement, leaning slightly forward. “You’re onto something, Welby. That’s the downfall of many Amazons—they forget that positive reinforcement is a far stronger tool than punishment or force. When I started playing with Lucas, I quickly realized that while it felt good for him, I wasn’t shaping his perspective correctly.”

Welby arched a curious brow. “How so?”

She swirled her drink, her expression contemplative. “I wanted Lucas to associate that kind of pleasure with his diapers, not just the act itself. So, I switched to using magic wands exclusively while he was diapered. It made him feel just as good but with the added association layer. Over time, it completely overrode his natural unease about wearing and using them.”

Welby nodded thoughtfully, mulling over her words. “That makes a lot of sense. Hannah’s already warming up to the idea, I think. She might not admit it out loud, but I’ve noticed how she’s started to relax more. Emily…” He hesitated, a small frown crossing his face. “Emily’s a bit more complicated. She’s older and more set in her ways. It may take longer for her.”

Evelyn offered a reassuring smile. “You’ll get there. You’ve already built so much trust with them, Welby. That’s more than half the battle.”

Welby chuckled softly, his fingers drumming against his glass. “I hope so. It’s just about finding that balance, you know? Making sure they feel safe but still able to grow and flourish.”

“They’re lucky to have you,” Evelyn said warmly. “It’s not every day you meet an Amazon willing to see Littles for who they are.”

Evelyn’s eyes flicked toward the strollers, where the Littles slept peacefully, before returning to Welby. She leaned in slightly, her voice low and filled with curiosity. “If you don’t mind me asking… what exactly happened with your ex? I’ve heard bits and pieces, but I’d like to hear it from you. If you’re comfortable, of course.”

Welby sighed, leaning back in his chair as he swirled the last remnants of his mint julep. His gaze dropped to the table, his expression thoughtful and heavy. “It’s a long story,” he said finally, the weight of those words hanging between them.

Evelyn nodded, her curiosity tempered with patience. “I’ve got time.”

The faint hum of the park around them provided a subtle backdrop as Evelyn waited, her attention fully on him. With a deep breath, Welby began the tale.

*

Kaylee’s thumb bobbed gently in her mouth as she leaned her head against Ash’s shoulder, her body limp and relaxed in Ash’s firm hold. Her cheeks flushed as the weight of her wet diaper pressed against Ash’s supportive hand, every slight movement sending a tingle through her. She squirmed lightly, trying to ignore the sensation, but it only intensified with each shift.

Ash’s voice, calm and steady, broke through the quiet hum of the daycare. “We’ll just need the usual forms,” she said to the Tweener standing before her, who nodded and handed over a neatly organized folder.

Kaylee’s gaze wandered her thumb still in her mouth. The daycare buzzed with soft activity—Littles playing, the faint hum of the nanny bot tidying up, and the occasional gentle reprimand from one of the Tweeners. It should have been chaotic, but Ash’s steady presence grounded her, making the whole world feel smaller and safer.

Ash adjusted her hold, her fingers lightly patting Kaylee’s diapered bottom as she continued speaking with the Tweener. “You’re all set,” Ash said, handing back a form. “We’ll take good care of him.”

The Tweener smiled, thanking Ash before gently setting her Little down in the play area. Kaylee, meanwhile, felt another rush of warmth—not just from her diaper, but from the comfort of Ash’s hand, her touch both firm and reassuring. Kaylee shifted again, her blush deepening as the tingling sensation grew harder to ignore.

“Everything okay, Kaylee?” Ash asked softly, glancing down at her.

Kaylee hesitated, then nodded, her thumb still firmly in place. She didn’t trust her voice not to betray her. Ash’s expression softened, and she gently patted Kaylee’s diaper, telling her it was okay just to relax. Kaylee nuzzled closer into Ash, her heart pounding. Despite the embarrassment, she felt an overwhelming sense of safety and warmth—something she hadn’t realized she craved so deeply until now.

Kaylee’s eyes scanned the daycare, her thumb still resting against her lips, the taste of her saliva oddly grounding. The Littles around her played, laughed, and toddled about, their padded bottoms swaying with every step. It was nearly impossible to tell who among them belonged to the Resistance. They blended so seamlessly with the others, their behavior indistinguishable from the ones who had succumbed to Amazon programming.

That thought unsettled her. It wasn’t just that the Resistance Littles could mask themselves so well—it was how easy it seemed for all Littles to slip into that same role. It blurred the line between resistance and compliance, freedom and captivity. As if to emphasize this point, Kaylee giggled suddenly, a soft, involuntary sound bubbling from her lips, followed by a string of babbles. Her thumb, slick with saliva, bobbed against her teeth as her cheeks flushed.

Ash’s sharp eyes immediately flicked down to her, her brow raising subtly concern. “Kaylee?” she murmured, her voice laced with gentle warning.

Kaylee blinked, her heart racing as she fought to push the innocent, giggly baby within her back down. She could feel it clawing its way to the surface, the edges of her adult self fraying under the weight of the programming. She clenched her fists, forcing her thumb from her mouth and willing herself to sit up straighter. She was not the giggly baby Naomi and Oliver wanted her to be. She was herself. She had to be.

“I’m fine,” Kaylee said softly, her voice slightly hoarse. Her words felt like a lifeline, an anchor to reality.

Ash’s eyes lingered on her momentarily before she nodded, gently shifting Kaylee on her hip. “Good,” she said quietly, giving Kaylee’s diaper a reassuring pat. “Remember, you’re stronger than they think.”

Kaylee swallowed hard, nodding, but the battle raged within her. Every giggle, every babble, every slip of control felt like a betrayal of herself, a step closer to becoming the mindless Little the Amazons desired. She clung to Ash’s words, her lifeline in a world determined to drown her. 

The weight of the morning’s bottle settled in Kaylee’s stomach like a stone. She had known exactly what the contents would do, yet she’d been forced to drink it anyway. Ash hadn’t wanted to give it to her either—Kaylee could see the guilt in her eyes every time—but with the daycare’s strict monitoring system, it wasn’t as if they had a choice. If Kaylee didn’t drink the formula and play the part of a compliant Little, suspicions would rise, and neither of them could afford that.

Now, as her tummy gurgled ominously, she felt the inevitable consequences. Another cramp hit her, and Kaylee winced. The programming’s insidious whispers grew louder and stronger, overriding her will. It wasn’t just physical—it was mental, a tug-of-war between her rational self and the infantile impulses the government wanted to instill in her. The first cramp tightened her abdomen, and she instinctively clenched, but her body betrayed her. The programming had warped her reflexes, rewiring her instincts. Instead of holding back, she felt the overwhelming urge to push. Her cheeks burned as she tried to resist, but the pressure grew unbearable. The faintest grunt escaped her lips as she gave in, her muscles relaxing against her will. Warmth spread beneath her, the thick padding of her diaper accommodating the mess as a wave of euphoria washed over her.

A soft moan escaped her, involuntary and laden with bliss. Her body trembled as the sensation coursed through her, her eyes fluttering shut. The programming whispered its praise in her mind, drowning out her humiliation with an artificial, sickening sense of accomplishment. Kaylee pushed, feeling the warmth of the mess filling and swelling her diaper. She orgasmed more than once, her entire body radiating pleasure and bliss as she pooped herself. Her soft moans filled the daycare as she soiled herself, completely helpless to stop. When she finally opened her eyes, her vision was hazy, her gaze unfocused. She felt like a puppet, her strings pulled.

By forces beyond her control, her autonomy eroded with every passing moment.

Kaylee slumped against Ash’s shoulder, her breath shallow and uneven. The diaper squished beneath her as she shifted, sending another wave of tingling euphoria through her already frazzled senses. She whimpered, both from the lingering pleasure and the deep shame that cut through it like a knife. This wasn’t her. This couldn’t be her. But as Ash gave her a worried glance and gently patted her diapered bottom, Kaylee knew she’d have to keep fighting—because if she didn’t, she feared she might lose herself entirely.

Ash leaned close to Kaylee’s ear, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry, Kaylee. I’ll get you changed right away.”

Before Kaylee could even process her words, a sharp, involuntary whine escaped her lips. “No!” she blurted, her voice high-pitched and desperate. She and Ash froze, the unexpected outburst hanging heavy in the air. Kaylee’s cheeks burned crimson as her body trembled, her mind racing to grasp what had just happened.

“I—I’m sorry!” she stammered, her words tumbling over each other. “That wasn’t me—that was the programming talking.”

Ash’s expression darkened, her jaw tightening as she nodded in understanding. “I know,” she murmured, her voice tinged with a quiet determination. “We’ll get through this, Kaylee. I promise.”

Without another word, Ash swiftly but gently carried Kaylee to the nearest changing table, laying her down and retrieving the supplies. Kaylee turned her face away, her blush deepening as she felt Ash undo the tapes on her diaper. The cold air hit her skin, starkly contrasting with the warmth that had filled the diaper moments before, and she flinched slightly.

Ash worked quickly, her hands steady despite the heaviness in her heart. “You’re doing great,” she said softly, wiping Kaylee clean with practiced efficiency. Her tone was calm, but the tension in her shoulders betrayed her emotions. She hated seeing Kaylee like this, trapped between her true self and the layers of programming that threatened to consume her.

Kaylee fixed her gaze on the ceiling, biting her lip as Ash slid a fresh diaper beneath her. The rustle of the plastic and the soft crinkle as it was fastened sent an embarrassing reminder of her current state. But Ash didn’t flinch, her care unwavering as she secured the tapes and patted the front of the diaper reassuringly.

“All done,” Ash said, lifting Kaylee into her arms and holding her close.

Kaylee buried her face in Ash’s shoulder, her breath shaky as she whispered, “Thank you.”

Ash gently lowered Kaylee into the baby walker, its colorful plastic frame jingling softly as she adjusted the straps around her. “I’ve got some work to do, but I’ll keep an eye on you,” Ash murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from Kaylee’s face. Her voice was kind but heavy with guilt.

Kaylee nodded reluctantly, her cheeks tinged pink as she settled into the contraption. Her feet barely skimmed the floor, her legs swinging aimlessly beneath her as the walker supported most of her weight. The surrounding play area buzzed with the quiet sounds of other Littles giggling, babbling, or tinkering with toys. She tried to focus on anything but the looming dread of the upcoming show, her stomach twisting as Ash turned and made her way to her desk.

She was only vaguely aware of a Little boy crawling toward her until his curious eyes locked onto hers. His hair was a messy mop, and his onesie was slightly askew, revealing the waistband of his thick diaper. He stopped just short of her walker, his expression serious as he leaned closer.

“Are you with the Resistance?” he asked in a hushed but urgent tone, his voice barely audible over the cheerful hum of the play area.

Kaylee’s heart stopped, her pulse pounding in her ears. She froze, her hands gripping the walker’s tray tightly. “What?” she whispered back, her voice sharp with alarm.

The boy glanced around, his innocence betraying the gravity of his words. “The Resistance,” he repeated louder this time, his tone more insistent. “I heard you’re one of them. Is it true? Are you here to help?”

Kaylee’s eyes darted to the nanny bot, its lifeless form stationed nearby but always monitoring, its sensors sweeping the room. Panic surged through her, and she quickly raised a finger to her lips, signaling for the boy to hush. “Stop,” she hissed, her voice barely above a breath. She pointed toward the bot, her eyes wide with urgency.

But the boy didn’t seem to grasp her warning. His voice grew louder, his excitement bubbling over. “You can tell me! I won’t tell anyone! My Mommy says—”

Kaylee cut him off by grabbing his hand and shaking her head furiously. “Quiet!” she whispered, her voice trembling. Her heart raced as she scanned the room, praying the bot hadn’t picked up on their exchange.

The boy blinked, finally recognizing her fear, but his expression faltered. He opened his mouth to speak again, but Kaylee tightened her grip on his hand, her eyes pleading with him to stay silent. After a tense moment, he gave a small nod, his curiosity dimming under her desperate gaze.

Kaylee released his hand, her breath shaky as she glanced again at the nanny bot. It hadn’t moved, and its sensors were still sweeping methodically. Relief flooded her, but her nerves were still frayed. She shot the boy a warning look and mouthed, Later.

He nodded again, his posture shrinking as he crawled away, leaving Kaylee to stew in her panic. She slumped in the walker, her heart still hammering in her chest. Ash glanced over from her desk, her sharp eyes catching Kaylee’s tense form.

“You okay, Kaylee?” she called softly, concern lacing her voice.

Kaylee gave a weak nod, forcing a tight-lipped smile as Ash returned to her work. But the weight of what had just happened pressed heavily on her. The Resistance wasn’t as hidden as she had hoped—and neither, it seemed, was she.

Kaylee rolled her walker toward the large window overlooking the sprawling cityscape, its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets bathed in a golden afternoon glow. The faint hum of activity outside drifted through the glass, a remnant of a world she once fully inhabited—a world that now seemed unreachable.

Her gaze caught her reflection in the glass, and her heart clenched. There she was, an Amazon by birth but indistinguishable now from any Little in the daycare. Her thumb rested between her lips, shiny with saliva, and the bulky diaper beneath her onesie was painfully obvious. It forced her legs apart as she sat in the confining walker. The bright plastic frame surrounding her, the colorful tray lined with baby-safe toys—all of it felt like a prison.

Kaylee’s throat tightened, and a surge of rage bubbled within her. How had she fallen so far? She had been brilliant once, capable and independent, with a promising future. Now, every crinkle of her diaper felt like a mockery, every glance from Ash a reminder of her humiliating dependence. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms, and fought the rising scream building in her chest.

She wanted to throw the walker through the window, to shatter the glass and feel the cold wind whip her face as she yelled into the void. She wanted to hit something, to lash out at the unfairness of it all. But what was the point? She couldn’t even stand on her own without the walker’s support. Any defiance she managed would only reinforce the programming’s grip on her.

Her reflection blurred as tears welled in her eyes. She bit down hard on her thumb as if to ground herself, but the sensation only heightened her frustration. The shot they’d given her was unrelenting, its effects twisting her thoughts and eroding her control. She knew it wouldn’t fade until she received the antidote—a glimmer of hope that felt impossibly far away.

Kaylee closed her eyes, her chest rising and falling with uneven breaths. The city stretched out vibrantly and alive before her, but she felt more trapped than ever. Her thumb slid from her mouth, and she whispered to her reflection, her voice trembling, “I’ll get out of this. I have to.” But even as she said it, the weight of her situation pressed down harder. The antidote might come eventually, but she was stuck in this nightmare for now. She opened her eyes again, staring at the girl in the glass who barely felt like herself anymore.

Kaylee remained motionless by the window, her thoughts swirling, until she felt the cold, mechanical grip of the nanny bot lift her effortlessly from the walker. Its cheerful, monotone voice announced, “Cartoon time, little one!” She barely reacted, her body limp in its grasp as it carried her toward the dreaded screen.

She didn’t bother fighting. What was the point? Every ounce of resistance had been drained from her, leaving only a hollow shell that obeyed without question. Her thumb slipped from her lips as the bot gently replaced it with a pacifier, its smooth rubber tip pushing against her tongue, further muting the last fragments of her will. The bot settled her down on a soft mat before the massive screen, its vibrant colors flickering to life. Other Littles were already seated, their eyes wide and vacant, bodies slack as the first cheerful notes of Naomi and Oliver’s theme song filled the air.

Kaylee’s heart sank as she felt herself slipping into that familiar, helpless state, the pull of the cartoon-like tide dragging her under. She stared sightlessly ahead, her pacifier bobbing rhythmically as she waited for the inevitable flood of euphoria and compliance to wash over her. A tear rolled down her cheek, unnoticed and unchecked, as she braced herself for another round of programming. Her mind screamed in silence beneath the saccharine voices and jingles.

Kaylee’s gaze remained fixed on the screen, the vibrant, swirling colors and cheerful melodies drowning her in their relentless grip. Her body felt like lead, her pacifier bobbing lazily as her mind screamed in futile protest. She felt herself fading, helpless against the cartoon's overwhelming pull.

A flicker of recognition broke through the haze of hypnotic suggestion—the boy from earlier who had foolishly spoken about the Resistance. He was seated in front of her, his eyes glassy, his mouth slightly open, as he stared blankly ahead.

A shadow moved beside him, a dark figure that Kaylee’s blurry vision couldn’t fully comprehend. Her sluggish mind barely registered the details, her thoughts too ensnared by Naomi’s sweet, patronizing voice. Yet the figure’s movements were deliberate, and its intentions were unmistakable.

The glint of a syringe caught the corner of her vision. Kaylee’s heart pounded, but her body refused to respond, her limbs heavy and uncooperative. The figure leaned down, pressing the needle into the boy’s chubby thigh. A tiny, pitiful whimper escaped his lips before his body went limp, his head lolling against the stranger’s chest.

Kaylee’s pacifier fell from her mouth as she watched, horror rippling. She wanted to scream, call out, and stop them—but she was frozen, a prisoner of the cartoon's hold. Her breathing quickened, but the figure didn’t even glance her way. They scooped up the boy, cradling him with practiced ease, and without a word, turned and disappeared.

The screen’s vibrant colors danced in her vision, and Naomi’s voice urged her to smile and giggle, but Kaylee’s mind was aflame with dread. She clenched her fists weakly, forcing her pacifier back into her mouth, not to comply but to stifle the sobs of fear threatening to escape.

The boy was gone. She may never see him again.