Snacktime

As the last introductions wrapped up, Mr. Teacher clapped his hands lightly, drawing everyone’s attention. “Well done, girls,” he said warmly, his gaze sweeping the room. “I’m so proud of all of you for sharing today. It’s clear that many of you are already adjusting beautifully.”

He paused for a moment, his expression softening as his eyes lingered on two girls sitting quietly near the edge of the group. “Though I will mention,” he added with a playful smile, “that not all of our little ones are quite there yet. Two of you are still dry.”

Rebecca stiffened, her cheeks burning as she realized what he meant. Her gaze flicked to another girl seated across the room, who looked just as red-faced and squirmy as she felt. Mr. Teacher didn’t press the matter, simply offering a reassuring nod. “That’s perfectly fine. Every little girl adjusts in her own time.”

With that, he turned toward the caregivers, who began wheeling in trays laden with small bowls of brightly colored fruit, cut into easy-to-handle pieces. “Now, let’s enjoy some snack time!” he announced cheerfully.

The girls perked up as the caregivers handed out bowls, placing them on small trays in front of each girl. Rebecca stared down at hers—a mix of strawberries, bananas, and soft apple slices. She glanced at Ava, who had already grabbed a chunk of banana with her fingers and popped it into her mouth, giggling as the sticky juice dribbled down her chin.

“Good girl, Ava,” Mr. Teacher said approvingly. “That’s exactly how a little one enjoys her snack—no need to worry about being neat.”

Lilly, seated nearby, hesitated as she watched Ava. She picked up a piece of apple, carefully bringing it to her mouth with her fingers. But when she saw Mr. Teacher glance her way, she let the juice dribble down her chin too, earning a warm smile. “That’s it, Lilly. Good girl.”

Lilly’s cheeks flushed, but she seemed pleased with the praise. Rebecca, on the other hand, felt a pang of uncertainty. She picked up a piece of fruit delicately, trying to eat without making a mess.

Mr. Teacher noticed her careful movements and crouched down beside her. “Becky,” he said gently, his tone encouraging, “it’s okay to make a mess. That’s what little girls do.”

Rebecca nodded hesitantly but continued to eat as neatly as she could. The sticky feeling on her fingers made her uncomfortable, and she couldn’t bring herself to dribble juice the way the others did.

When snack time ended, the caregivers moved through the room with damp cloths, cleaning sticky hands and faces. Rebecca flinched slightly as a caregiver wiped her cheeks, the cool cloth a sharp contrast to the warmth of the room.

Two girls, including Ava, were led to a small changing area set up near the corner. Ava giggled as she was helped out of her romper, her crinkly diaper replaced with a fresh one before she was dressed in a frilly onesie. “Thank you!” she chirped brightly as she returned to the group.

Once everyone was cleaned up, the caregivers began checking diapers one by one. Rebecca’s heart raced as her turn approached, and when the caregiver gently cupped her still-damp diaper, she nodded approvingly. “You’re doing just fine, Becky,” the caregiver said softly, patting her on the shoulder.

As the final checks wrapped up, Mr. Teacher returned to the front of the room, clapping his hands lightly to get their attention. “Alright, girls,” he said, his warm smile accompanied by a hint of mystery. “I have an important announcement to share with you.”