Kaylee noticed immediately.

The way Ash tensed. The way her breath hitched, shallow, and uneven. The way her body curled inward as if trying to fight off something unseen.

Kaylee’s hand rubbed slow circles against her back, her voice low and soothing.

"Ash? What’s wrong?"

Ash’s breath shook, a tremor shuddering through her limbs. She tried—tried—to form words, to say something, anything—

But Naomi’s voice was too strong.

"Oh, sweetheart," the syrupy whisper cooed in her mind, mocking her resistance. "You’re fighting so hard. But we both know how this ends, don’t we?"

Ash shook her head, desperate, silent, as she slipped lower, her body sinking against the couch, her legs folding beneath her until—

Her head rested in Kaylee’s lap.

Her cheek pressed against the soft plastic of Kaylee’s diaper, the warmth radiating through the onesie.

Kaylee’s fingers instinctively threaded through Ash’s hair, her touch gentle, steady, calm.

"Shhh, I’ve got you."

Ash squeezed her eyes shut, her hands clenching into fists. Her entire body was locked in war with the intruder in her mind.

"That’s right, sweet girl," Naomi whispered, purring with delight. "Just let go. Let big, strong Kaylee take care of you. Let her hold you. Doesn’t that feel nice?"

Ash shuddered, her entire body on fire. The pressure swelled, and the tingling sensation inched closer, spreading.

"It’s okay, baby girl," Naomi crooned, her voice slithering deeper. "You don’t have to fight it. Just be a good girl for me. Be a good girl, Ash."

Kaylee’s fingers stroked her scalp, her other hand still rubbing slow, steady circles against Ash’s back.

"Talk to me," Kaylee murmured. "Tell me what’s happening."

Ash wanted to.

She wanted to scream.

To rip Naomi out of her head, to break free, to be strong.

But she could feel it—

The inevitable defeat was creeping closer.

A battle she wasn’t sure she could win.

Tears streaked down Ash’s cheeks as she clutched at her ears, her fingers digging in as if she could physically block out the voice curling through her mind.

"No, no, no—get out—get out—"

"Oh, sweetheart," Naomi purred, soft, syrupy, filled with mocking affection. "You don’t really want me to go, do you?"

Ash whined, curling further into herself, pressing her head against Kaylee’s lap, shaking her head desperately.

"I can’t—I can’t get her out of my head—"

Then—

A hug.

A big, long, crushing hug, Kaylee’s arms winding tight around her, holding her firm, pressing forehead to forehead.

"I’m sorry," Kaylee whispered, guilt heavy in her voice.

Ash hiccupped, eyes blurry with tears, the words barely registering.

"I know exactly how that feels."

The words hit like a punch, cutting through Ash’s panic just enough for her to register them.

Kaylee’s voice was too raw, too honest, too pained.

"You—" Ash’s voice shook, barely audible.

Kaylee nodded, her arms tightening around her. "I hear her too."

That was it.

That was all it took.

Ash broke completely.

A ragged sob tore from her lips, her body shaking violently as she let go, crying fully, uncontrollably, helplessly into Kaylee’s shoulder.

"I don’t want to go back—" she gasped, trembling, choking on her words. "I don’t—I don’t want to be a Little—I don’t—"

Kaylee cut her off.

Firm. Unyielding.

Her hands cradled Ash’s face, forcing her to look up to meet her eyes.

"Stop," Kaylee said, her voice steady, her thumbs wiping away the tears staining Ash’s cheeks.

Ash’s breath hitched, her body still trembling, still locked in panic, but Kaylee’s eyes wouldn’t let her go.

"You’re okay," Kaylee whispered.

"You are not a Little."

"You are not going back."

"But I—"

"No."

Kaylee shook her head, firm, resolute, unyielding.

"Focus on the here and now," she instructed. "Right here. Right now. You’re in your apartment. You’re safe. Naomi is not real. She is not here. This is what’s real."

Ash’s breath hitched, but something in Kaylee’s voice held her there, kept her anchored, kept her from slipping away.

"Match my breathing," Kaylee said softly, guiding her.

Kaylee inhaled—slow, steady, controlled.

Ash tried to follow, but her lungs shook, her breath still ragged, uneven.

"Again," Kaylee coaxed.

She breathed in deeply, held it, then exhaled slowly.

Ash followed.

Again.

Again.

"That’s it," Kaylee murmured.

The tremors in Ash’s body eased, her breath slowing, her mind steadier, the fog of Naomi’s presence thinning, weakening, fading—

Until finally—

Ash could think again.

Ash finally started to relax. Although her body still trembled, her breath finally evened out, and the panic loosened its iron grip on her chest.

Kaylee didn’t hesitate, her fingers moving to Ash’s waistband, pulling her pants fully off, then reaching for the tabs of her diaper.

Ash barely reacted.

She was too emotionally drained to feel embarrassed, too exhausted to fight it.

"Getting out of that will help," Kaylee murmured, calm, steady, resolute, peeling the soaked diaper away and exposing Ash completely.

"Stand up," Kaylee ordered.

Ash hesitated—then, reluctantly, she obeyed, rising to her feet, naked from the waist down.

She turned back toward Kaylee, her eyes immediately locking onto the diaper lying on the couch.

She couldn’t look away.

The crumpled, used plastic, the faintest scent of powder, the damning evidence of what she had allowed to happen.

Kaylee noticed instantly, her expression softening.

With a roll of her eyes, she rolled up the diaper, pulling a pillow over it, blocking it from Ash’s sight.

"Hey," Kaylee said firmly.

Ash’s eyes snapped up to meet hers.

Kaylee’s voice was gentle but unyielding. "Look at me. Not that. Me."

Ash swallowed, her throat dry.

She felt weak. Small. Confused. Nervous.

Kaylee’s gaze held her steady.

"Go potty," Kaylee instructed. "Then put on panties."

Ash nodded, still numb, still reeling, as she turned and walked toward the bathroom.

Her legs wobbled, her muscles strained, but she made it.

She closed the door, faced the toilet, and for the first time in hours, she relieved herself properly.

The relief wasn’t just physical.

It was mental.

A battle had been won.

But Naomi wasn’t done with her yet.

"Sweetheart," the voice slipped back in, a soft, coaxing whisper in her head. "You don’t really want to wear those, do you?"

Ash stiffened, her fingers hovering over the drawer where her panties were neatly folded.

"Wouldn’t it be easier? Safer? Just one more, darling. Just in case."

No.

Ash gritted her teeth, shoving the voice out.

"Shut up."

Naomi giggled, light and teasing, but the voice faded, slinking back into the dark corners of Ash’s mind.

She grabbed a pair of panties, pulled them on, and then threw a nightgown over her head, its soft fabric cooling her overheated skin.

She was in control.

She was stronger than this.

By the time she stepped back into the living room, Kaylee had already disposed of the diaper.

She patted the couch beside her, offering Ash a warm, knowing look.

Ash hesitated—then sat, leaning into Kaylee’s side.

Kaylee held her close, their bodies warm against each other, steadying each other.

Ash wasn’t a Little anymore.

And Kaylee—

Kaylee was no longer small.

No longer a Little.

She was a Tweener now, only slightly shorter than Ash.

But tonight, for the first time in so long, she felt stronger than Ash had ever seen her before.

And for now—

Ash let herself be held.

The two of them sat in each other’s arms well into the night, neither speaking much, just existing in the quiet comfort of the other’s presence.

At some point, Kaylee had needed a change—her control still hadn’t returned, and her body was still not fully hers yet.

Ash had done it without hesitation, without shame—because for the first time in a long time, she wasn’t doing it out of necessity, out of forced routine.

She was doing it because she wanted to help.

Because Kaylee had held her together when she was falling apart.

And so, when the night had drawn to its end, they had burrowed beneath the covers of Ash’s bed, their bodies warm and close, their arms wrapped around each other.

And for the first time in longer than she could remember—

Ash fell asleep feeling safe.

The morning came quietly.

The soft glow of early sunlight spilled through the curtains, warm and gentle, painting the bedroom in gold and rose hues.

Ash stirred, her body pressing into something warm—something solid.

Her head was resting against Kaylee’s chest, the slow, rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing lulling her further into half-consciousness.

Kaylee’s arms were still wrapped around her, holding her lovingly, protectively, as if Ash was something precious—something that needed to be kept safe.

Ash barely even registered the fact that Kaylee was nude apart from her diaper—

A soaking wet, swollen thing clinging to her hips for dear life, the tapes barely hanging on.

Ash’s nose wrinkled slightly.

It was definitely time for a change.

Carefully, gingerly, she crawled out from Kaylee’s embrace, freeing herself without waking the other girl.

Her feet touched the cool floor, and she paused, her stomach twisting instinctively—

But there was nothing there.

No crinkle.

No bulk.

She was just in panties, just as she should be.

A breath of relief left her lips, and she made her way toward the bathroom, taking care of her own needs before returning to the dresser.

She hesitated, just for a moment, as her fingers brushed against the pack of diapers.

The next size up.

Only one size below the ones she had—

No. Don’t remember that. Don’t think about that.

Her fingers tightened, shoving the thought away as she grabbed one and returned to the bed.

Kaylee was still deep in slumber, her body relaxed, her breathing soft.

And for the first time, Ash really saw her.

She wasn’t a Little anymore.

Not in body.

Not in spirit.

Kaylee was growing.

She was stronger.

Ash took a slow breath and set to work, peeling back the tapes from the soaked diaper. She was beginning the process of cleaning and changing her friend.

Because no matter what happened—

No matter what Naomi whispered in her mind—

Ash was still here.

And she wasn’t giving up.

Kaylee stirred mid-change, her body shifting slightly as she felt the cool air against her skin.

A yawn escaped her, her arms stretching above her head as she rubbed at her eyes, still drowsy from sleep.

When she finally blinked, she found Ash staring down at her, hands still methodically working to finish taping a fresh diaper.

"Mmm… good morning," Kaylee murmured, her voice soft and groggy.

Ash gave a small chuckle, shaking her head. "Morning."

Kaylee glanced down, registering what was happening.

The fresh diaper was snugly being pulled into place. The powder was still dusting her skin.

She could have done it herself, but—

She didn’t mind letting Ash take charge.

Kaylee let out a slow breath, relaxing back against the mattress, letting Ash finish securing the tapes.

"Thanks," Kaylee said once Ash was done, offering a small smile as she sat up.

Ash offered her hand, pulling her to her feet—

And that’s when they noticed it.

Kaylee wasn’t looking up at Ash anymore.

She was nearly eye-to-eye with her.

Ash blinked, her brow furrowing.

"Kaylee, we might have a problem…"

Kaylee tilted her head, confused—until she glanced down at herself.

Her breath hitched.

She wasn’t small anymore.

She wasn’t Little-sized anymore.

She was still thin, still lacking curves, still looking more like a girl than a woman—

But she wasn’t a Little.

Not by Amazon standards.

Her stomach tightened, realization setting in.

"I…" Kaylee swallowed. "I think I’m about the size of an Amazon’s eight-year-old kid."

The room went silent.

That was a problem.

A huge problem.

Kaylee had hidden in plain sight, passing as a Little and being treated like a Little. But now?

That wouldn’t work anymore.

No Amazon would mistake her for a fully grown woman yet—but no one would believe she was a Little either.

Kaylee and Ash exchanged looks, their minds turning, processing, searching for an answer.

Then—

An idea struck.

"I have to pass as a young Amazon," Kaylee said slowly, testing the thought out loud. "One who’s… there to experience what it’s like caring for Littles."

Ash nodded slowly. "Like a training program or something."

"Right."

It wasn’t perfect—but it was their best option.

Kaylee let out a breath, nodding. "We’ll make it work."

Ash sighed, running a hand through her hair. "We better."

They exchanged one last glance, both knowing what was at stake, before wordlessly getting ready for the day.

Kaylee may not have fully escaped yet—

But she was getting closer.

Ash adjusted her shirt, smoothing out any possible wrinkles as she and Kaylee made their way downstairs to the daycare. She had to be composed, calm, and in control.

For both their sakes.

The moment they stepped in, Mira was waiting.

Her sharp eyes immediately locked onto Kaylee, and her expression was questioning, calculating, and trying to place the new girl who had entered her carefully maintained domain.

"Morning, Ash," Mira greeted, her tone casual but her gaze never leaving Kaylee. "Who’s this?"

Ash forced a smile, resting a hand on Kaylee’s shoulder as she delivered the line she had practiced in her head on the way down.

"This is Kayla," she said smoothly, clearly identifying the fake name. “She’s an Amazon interested in learning the ins and outs of running a daycare."

Mira blinked, her brows lifting slightly.

Then—

Her eyes darted downward.

Straight to Kaylee’s midsection.

Ash’s heart stopped.

Kaylee’s diaper wasn’t obvious—not really. It was padded enough to be hidden beneath her clothes, but Mira had an eye for these things.

And Mira noticed.

Ash saw the exact moment realization flickered across Mira’s face.

A single raised eyebrow was all it took for Ash’s panic to flare.

She stepped forward immediately, leaning in, lowering her voice to a desperate whisper.

"Listen—‘Kayla’ is having difficulty potty training," she murmured quickly, choosing her words carefully, making sure no one else could hear. "Her Mommy sent her here in hopes she’d… snap out of it."

Mira’s expression shifted, her mind fitting the pieces together.

For a long, agonizing second, she simply studied Ash, her sharp gaze flickering between her and Kaylee.

Then—

She nodded slowly, understanding dawning.

"Ohhh," Mira whispered back, a knowing smirk creeping onto her lips.

Ash exhaled, relief washing over her, her muscles unsensing just slightly.

Kaylee, for her part, did her absolute best to sell the lie.

She smiled brightly, bouncing on her heels, her voice giddy, excitable, just like a child.

"This place is so cool!" she chirped, her voice carrying just the right amount of childish enthusiasm. "I can’t wait to learn everything!"

Ash kept one eye on Mira, praying she wouldn’t see through the facade.

Mira chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, aren’t you just the cutest thing?"

Ash took in a deep breath and steadied herself, preparing for the day ahead—

And then—

"Speaking of which," Mira murmured, leaning in close, her voice low, too casual. "Do you need help getting changed before we start?"

Ash froze, her entire body going rigid.

Her face flared crimson.

"No!"

The response came too fast, too sharp, too defensive.

Mira tilted her head, eyes twinkling with amusement, clearly not buying it.

The guilt flared hot and heavy in Ash’s face as she cleared her throat, forcing herself to calm down, to breathe.

"I mean… no, thank you. I’m fine."

Mira’s smirk lingered, but she simply patted Ash’s shoulder, her tone teasing but kind.

"Alright, alright. No need to get all flustered."

Ash wanted to sink into the floor.

But she couldn’t.

She had too much to protect.

Mira finally stepped back, turned toward Kaylee, and smiled brightly. "Well, Kayla, welcome aboard! Let’s get you set up."

Kaylee nodded eagerly, playing her part perfectly.

Ash, still burning with humiliation, clenched her fists at her sides and forced herself to act normal.

To pretend this was just another day.

Because if she didn’t—

If she slipped even a little—

She had no doubt Mira would notice.

Ash exhaled slowly, doing her best to regain control of herself as she turned to the Nanny Bot’s control panel.

The glowing interface hummed softly beneath her fingertips, the digital screen flickering to life as she began creating a new profile.

Kayla.

Caregiver.

She input the details quickly, her fingers moving on autopilot. Each keystroke grounded her, pushing the panic further away.

The bot whirred to life, processing the new data. Its mechanical limbs clicked as it turned toward Kaylee, scuttling forward with perfect precision.

Ash glanced up just in time to see the panic flash across Kaylee’s face.

Her muscles tensed, her eyes wide and frozen, as if she were preparing to run—

But the bot simply scanned her, its red sensors flickering as it added her to the database.

A soft chime beeped, and the display screen updated immediately:

Status: Registered Caregiver
Status: In Diapers – Minor Wetness Detected (Change Not Required)

Ash’s stomach twisted at the sight of it, but she said nothing.

Kaylee was visibly relaxed, her shoulders loosening, her breath evening out as the bot retreated, and its task was complete.

Crisis avoided.

For now.

Then—

A twinge in Ash’s bladder made her stomach tighten.

She had been so focused on Kaylee, on the lie, on the act—she had ignored her own body.

She needed to go.

Retreating to the bathroom, Ash carefully avoided looking at the stack of diapers on the changing table. She kept her focus straight ahead as she stepped inside and closed the door firmly behind her.

Her hands braced against the sink, her fingers gripping the cool porcelain. Her breath was slow and steady as she stared at her reflection in the mirror.

She looked…

Worn.

Her hair was a bit messy, and her face was still flushed with the remnants of embarrassment. Her eyes were heavy with exhaustion.

She reached up, adjusting her hair, smoothing it out, trying to make herself look normal.

She had to hold it together.

She had to—

A soft whirring noise cut through the silence.

Ash froze.

Her blood ran cold.

A mechanical click.

Then—

The door unlatched.

Her stomach plummeted as she turned just in time to see—

The Nanny Bot was rolling inside.

Uninvited.

Unprompted.

Ash’s breath caught in her throat, her body going rigid, her heart pounding violently in her chest.

It shouldn’t be here.

She hadn’t summoned it.

And yet—

Here it was.

And it was looking directly at her.

The Nanny Bot beeped, its red sensor flashing as it scanned her.

Ash furrowed her brows, giving it a questioning look. "What?"

Then—

A soft chirp and the bot’s monotone voice filled the small space.

"What happened to your diaper?"

Ash’s stomach dropped.

Her cheeks flushed red, burning as she took a step back, shaking her head.

"I— I don’t NEED diapers."

The bot chirped again, and the display screen flickered to life.

Ash’s breath caught in her throat.

There—on the screen—was a clear, overhead view of the changing table.

Of her.

Of her lying there, weak, vulnerable, her legs spread, her hands clenching the front of her messy diaper.

Of Mira changing her.

Of Mira patting her stomach, smiling kindly, treating her just like the others.

Ash’s eyes went wide, her body going cold as the bot spoke again.

"You have soiled one diaper and wet a fresh one before leaving for the day. You have been flagged as needing diapers."

The screen refreshed, showing a database update. Ash’s profile marked clearly:

Tweener – Status: In Diapers
Tracking Enabled: Wetting/Messing Alerts Active
Care Level: Moderate Assistance Required

No.

No, no, no—

"Wait—" Ash stammered, taking another step back, panic spiking through her chest.

The bot’s tone remained calm, utterly detached, utterly matter-of-fact.

"Now, let’s get you back where you belong."

Fear coursed through her, adrenaline spiking as she lunged toward the control panel, her fingers flying over the interface, desperately trying to overwrite the system, to undo the change, to erase her profile—

But the bot was faster.

Stronger.

Before she could even react, mechanical arms wrapped around her, lifting her effortlessly off the ground.

"No—NO—"

She kicked, squirmed, thrashed in its grip—

But it didn’t budge.

It didn’t struggle.

It simply adjusted its hold, moving her as if she weighed nothing at all.

Her stomach lurched as she was flipped forward, her chest pressed firmly against the changing table, her arms pinned beneath her, her rear pointing toward the bot.

She screamed and tried to push it off, but its grip was unyielding.

"Bad behavior detected," the bot chided, its voice still emotionless, calm, and efficient. Not only have you removed yourself from your required protection, but you have also attempted to run away from your change."

Ash’s eyes widened, her legs kicking wildly, her voice frantic, desperate—

"No, NO— STOP— LET ME GO—!"

Then—

The first swat landed.

A sharp, stinging slap against her bare backside.

Ash yelped, her breath hitching, her body jerking forward against the table.

Then—

Another.

And another.

Her cries filled the bathroom, humiliating, helpless, as the bot continued the punishment, scolding her as it rained firm, robotic smacks across her exposed, vulnerable rear.

"Disobedience will not be tolerated, Ash."

"Your status has been confirmed."

"Diapers are required for your protection."

"And your care level has now been updated to Supervised Changes."

Ash choked on a sob, her body trembling, her cheeks stained with tears as the punishment continued, as the bot reestablished what it believed was right—

That Ash was not an adult.

That Ash needed diapers.

And Ash would not be allowed to fight it anymore.

The swats finally stopped.

Ash’s body trembled, her breath coming in sharp, broken sobs, her cheeks wet with tears.

Her bare skin burned, the sharp, lingering sting of the spanking radiating across her backside, pulsing with each shallow breath she took.

But the bot wasn’t done.

Before Ash could resist before she could try to roll away, the Nanny Bot effortlessly laid her flat on the changing table, its strong mechanical arms pinning her in place.

"Disobedience recorded," it chirped, unbothered by Ash’s distress. "Adjusting care protocols to compensate."

Snip.

Ash’s breath hitched as she felt the cold clip of scissors, the sound far too loud, far too final.

Her panties were gone.

Her last piece of dignity—cut away like it was nothing.

"Initiating protection replacement," the bot continued, lifting her legs effortlessly, sliding a thick, crinkling diaper beneath her.

*"No, please—" Ash whimpered, her voice breaking, her arms weakly pushing against the cold, unyielding frame of the machine.

But it didn’t listen.

The thick padding was pulled snug around her hips, fastened securely, the tapes locking firmly into place.

A soft chime beeped, and the bot’s screen illuminated, updating her profile:

Tweener – Status: Requires Supervised Changes
Diaper Type: Locking Required
Staff Notification: Updated

Ash’s chest tightened, her stomach twisting violently as the bot chirped happily.

"Your caregivers have been notified of your updated care plan!"

Ash’s fingernails dug into her palms, biting back the retort that nearly slipped free—

I AM a part of the caregiving staff.

Or at least—

She had been.

The bot finally released her, lowering her onto the floor as its arms retracted, its glowing eyes flickering briefly as if assessing her one final time.

Then—

It scurried away, retreating from the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind it.

Leaving Ash alone.

Silent.

Shaking.

Trapped.

Her eyes flicked downward, her breath hitching sharply at the sight before her.

A thick, crinkly, undeniably infantile diaper taped securely around her hips, the pastel designs mocking her.

Her hands flew to the tabs, desperation clawing at her throat as her fingers pulled, yanked, scratched—

Nothing.

The tapes didn’t budge.

Didn’t even shift.

"No, no, no, no—"

She knew.

She had known they wouldn’t come off.

And yet—

She kept trying.

Kept pulling.

She kept whimpering, desperate, pleading, as if somehow, by some miracle, she could undo what had already been done.

She couldn’t.

She collapsed onto the floor, pulling her knees to her chest, her breath coming quick and ragged, panic choking her, her vision narrowing to a pinprick.

Flashbacks seared through her mind—

Of being a Little.

Of being helpless.

Of being trapped.

Of the patronizing voices telling her she was too little to take care of herself.

Of the hands that had so easily changed her, dressed her, controlled her.

Her chest heaved, her lungs burning, the room spinning, shrinking, closing in—

She was losing herself.

She was back there.

She was—

A soft knock echoed from the hallway.

"Ash?"

Kaylee.

Her voice was real.

Kaylee was real.

Not Naomi.

Not a hallucination.

Kaylee.

The panic wrapped around her, squeezing, suffocating, and dragging her down. The brief moment of clarity was snuffed out.

Her breath hitched, her pulse spiked, and the edges of her vision darkened as memories. 

Invaded—

Hands pinning her down. Holding her still. Forcing the thick, swollen mess of her own 

humiliation against her skin.

"You’re such a fussy thing, aren’t you?"

That grin. That cruel, evil grin filled with nothing but pure, sadistic pleasure.

"You’ll learn eventually, baby girl."

The taste of breastmilk.

The numbness creepted over her body.

The humiliating praise that followed every punishment, every loss of control, every crushing reminder that she wasn’t allowed to be an adult—

"You were never meant to be anything else, sweetheart."

No.

No, no, no—

Then—

Warmth.

A presence, kneeling beside her.

"Ash—"

A voice.

Not hers. Not Naomi’s.

"Ash!"

Kaylee.

Real. Solid. Here.

Ash barely felt herself being pulled forward. She registered Kaylee’s arms wrapping around her, hugging her tight, and anchoring her to the present.

"I got you," Kaylee whispered, holding her, rocking her, soothing her, grounding her.

But the panic still held on, vice-like, crushing her ribs, pulling her back into darkness, into a past she couldn’t escape—

The woman’s hands on her, forcing her down, forcing her to comply, forcing her to—

SLAP.

The sharp sting snapped across Ash’s cheek, her head jerking to the side.

She gasped, the sound ragged, broken, her body shocking itself back into reality.

Kaylee’s hands were on her face, firm, steady, her grip unshakable.

Her eyes locked onto Ash’s fierce, demanding attention.

"FOCUS."

Ash sucked in a breath, her chest heaving, her entire body frozen as Kaylee forced her gaze to stay on her.

"You are NOT there."

"You are HERE."

"With ME."

"Safe."

Ash’s lips trembled, but she didn’t look away.

"You haven’t been taken."

Kaylee’s voice was firm, unyielding, breaking through the fog, cutting through the horror, shoving away the shadows creeping at the edges of Ash’s mind.

"You are NOT a Little."

Ash’s body shuddered, her breath still uneven, but the words rooted her, pulled her out of the spiral, forced her to see the truth—

She wasn’t back there.

She wasn’t hers anymore.

She wasn’t trapped in that nightmare.

She was here.

With Kaylee.

And—

"You WILL be okay."

Kaylee held her, her fingers cupping Ash’s jaw, keeping her steady.

Ash swallowed hard, her heartbeat still racing, her face still wet with tears, but—

She could breathe again.

She could see again.

Ash’s blurry vision cleared, her breath ragged and unsteady, but her eyes focused—

On Kaylee.

Kneeling before her.

Real. Solid. Here.

The panic retreated, but what replaced it was somehow worse—

A deep, unrelenting anguish, raw and unstoppable, tearing through her like a dam breaking free.

The sobs came hard and fast; her body wracked with grief as if she were shattering all over again.

Kaylee moved instantly, sitting down, pulling Ash into her arms, cradling her tight, her grip strong, steady, unshakable.

"It’s okay," Kaylee whispered, her voice soft but filled with a fierce kind of determination. "We’ll get through this."

Ash shook violently, her fingers clutching at Kaylee’s shirt, burying her face into her shoulder, sobbing helplessly.

"I promise."

Kaylee gently rocked her, holding onto her like she was the only thing keeping Ash from falling apart completely.

And maybe—

Maybe she was.