get ready for nap time

The room fell quiet as the two girls in pull-ups stood, their expressions a mixture of pride and nervousness. A caregiver guided each of them toward a nearby door, their pastel pull-ups crinkling faintly with every step. Rebecca couldn’t help but notice how much more mature they looked compared to the rest of the group, even though their pull-ups were still adorned with childish patterns.

“Say goodbye to your friends, girls,” Mr. Teacher said warmly. “You’re off to preschool training now, where you’ll learn to take on new challenges.”

“Bye!” the first girl called, giving a small wave.

“Good luck!” added the second, her excitement bubbling over as she bounced slightly on her toes.

The remaining girls murmured soft goodbyes, though the air was thick with tension. Rebecca crossed her arms, her stomach twisting as jealousy gnawed at her. She couldn’t stop herself from blurting out, “I still don’t get why they get to go. It’s not fair.”

Mr. Teacher turned to her, his kind expression softening into something more serious. “Becky,” he said, his tone gentle but firm, “you need to remember something very important. You’re here because you chose this path, just like everyone else.”

Rebecca flushed, but she didn’t back down. “But they didn’t even do anything! They just stayed dry!”

Mr. Teacher’s eyes twinkled as he leaned slightly closer. “Exactly,” he said simply. “They stayed dry. Meanwhile, you—” he paused, his gaze flicking to the faint squish Rebecca made as she shifted in her spot, “—chose to wet yourself. And right now, you’re sitting in a soggy diaper, aren’t you?”

Rebecca froze, her face turning bright red. She squirmed slightly, the unmistakable squish of her wet diaper confirming his words. She glanced around, hoping no one had noticed, but Ava’s knowing smirk told her otherwise.

“That’s not something a girl ready for preschool would do, is it?” Mr. Teacher added gently.

Rebecca lowered her head, her cheeks burning with humiliation. She had no response, and the weight of his words left her feeling small and childish.

“Good girl,” Mr. Teacher said softly, his tone shifting back to encouragement. “Now let’s get you ready for nap time. You’ll feel much better after some rest.”

Rebecca followed the group as the caregivers began leading the girls to their rooms. Her steps were slow, her soggy diaper squishing faintly with every movement. By the time they reached her room, Nanny Malory was already waiting for her, her gentle smile as reassuring as ever.

“Come along, Becky,” Nanny Malory said softly, opening the door to her room.

Rebecca stepped inside, the familiar pastel glow of the space washing over her. The soft pink walls, the cartoon decorations, and the two cribs all felt surreal, even though she’d spent her first night here.

“Now,” Nanny Malory said, guiding Rebecca toward one of the cribs, “I have a question for you, sweetheart. Would you like a new friend to sleep in the second crib tonight?”

Rebecca blinked, her thoughts still muddled from the events of the day. “A friend?” she asked hesitantly.

Nanny Malory nodded, her smile widening slightly. “Yes, dear. Another little girl, just like you. It can get lonely sleeping all by yourself, and I thought you might like some company.”

Rebecca glanced at the empty crib, her mind racing. The idea of having someone else in the room was both comforting and intimidating. She bit her lip, unsure of how to respond.