Lights! Camera! Humiliation!

Lauren was led onto the sound stage that looked like the inside of a preschool. Looking around, she cringed at the bright pink walls with alphabet boarders, and toys scattered around the set…with one specific toy sitting on a kiddie table. Lauren glared at the Beaky doll as she pouted, turning red in humiliation.

Suddenly, a gaggle of toddlers ranging from three to five were led to the stage. As they lined up next to her, she was shocked to discover that she was actually two or three inches shorter than one of the five-year olds! Lauren turned even redder as she hung her head.

“Okay, children.” the director, a woman in her mid-thirties, said to the group, “We’re just about ready to start. Now, I want everyone to know that there is no reason to feel nervous. This is not scripted yet, so you are free to adlib to respond to what Beaky says. Just make sure that they’re not no-no words.”

Lauren rolled her eyes in annoyance. Was this nutcase actually talking to her like she was an actual toddler? True, she was dressed like one and she was about to appear on a show targeted towards that age group, but still…

“Okay!” the director continued as she walked off set and behind the camera. “We are on in ten, nine, eight, seven…”

Lauren bit her lip as she looked towards the kids who were practically jumping in excitement. Lauren let out a small whimper as she hung her head. This was it. If anyone she knew was watching this and recognized her, then her life was officially over.

“…Three, two, one. Action!”