to be a little girl

The man made Daniel hold his hand as they walked around to the other side of the truck, where there was a woman who also looked much bigger and stronger than him. She laughed when she saw Daniel.

"You were right, Josh. She really does look like a little girl."

Daniel's face burned, and he felt tears brimming in his eyes. He was so frightened and humiliated. Josh grabbed his jaw. "Listen here, missy. You cause any trouble in there and I'll have to discipline you like you really are my kid. Got it?"

Daniel sniffled and nodded, feeling about two feet tall. He hid behind Josh as much as he could, and found himself sucking his thumb for comfort, a babyish habit he'd never broken in spite of how much it embarrassed him.

"C'mon, Carla." Josh laughed cruelly. "Let's get some things for the baby."