“Now that you’re quiet, let’th find thome clothe for you,” Kaitlin says. Laura looks around. “I think if we go to a baby thore we’ll-” While Kaitlin is in the middle of talking, Laura toddles off. “Laura!” Kaitlin chases down Laura, who is excitedly heading for the toddler section of the play area. She grabs Laura’s hand.
“Pway!” Laura says, pulling free of Kaitlin’s grip. Kaitlin’s mouth drops as she watches Laura join a group of toddlers playing with stuffed animals. She knew that Laura’s speaking ability had decreased, as well as her potty training, but hadn’t expected Laura to slip into a toddler mindset so quickly.
“Laura, come back, we have to-” Kaitlin starts, walking after her. Before she reaches the toddler section, a boy about her current age taps her on the shoulder.
“Tag, you’re it!” he shouts at her. Kaitlin crosses her arms.
“I’m not playing,” she says shortly.
“Chicken!” the boy calls. “Bawk bawk!” Kaitlin scowls.
“I’m not chicken!”
“Prove it!”
“Fine!” Kaitlin gives chase. Before she knows it, she’s completely caught up in playing with the other kindergarteners. The problems caused by the magic dice have vanished from her mind as she plays. Even Laura, clad only in a diaper, sitting in the toddler section, goes to the back of Kaitlin’s mind.