Eventually, Laura feels her stomach rumble. She’s hungry. This makes Laura realize what she’s just done: wandered away from Kaitlin to go play with toddlers. She grimaces, upset to have behaved so childishly.
Laura gets to her feet, intending on going to find Kaitlin, so they can get back on task. Before she can take a few steps, however, she feels someone pick her up.
“No!” Laura squeaks.
“Hello, Miss Escapee,” says the person holding her. Laura is turned around. The person holding her is wearing a brightly colored daycare uniform. Laura squints at the woman’s name tag, but discovers that her ability to read has been decreased. She has no idea what the woman’s name is.
“Not ‘scape,” Laura protests.
“Yes, you are.” The woman pokes Laura’s nose. “There aren’t any grownups around that would be watching you.” Laura looks around. The woman is right. The toddler area is free of toddlers and adults. Laura was the only person left there. There are still some children playing in the section reserved for older children, with a few adults there supervising. But none of the adults would be able to see the toddler area from where they are sitting.
“But-”
“No buts. Can you tell me your name?”
“Lowa.”
“All right, Laura, I’m going to take you back to daycare now, okay?” The woman begins to walk. Laura’s attempts to break free all fail. They pass the section for older children, where Laura spots Kaitlin playing tag with some children her current age. She looks like any normal kindergartener, shrieking with delight while she plays.
“Kait!” Laura calls. Kaitlin doesn’t hear her, and neither does the daycare worker. They arrive at the mall daycare. Laura is set in a playpen with another toddler.
“Up up!” Laura says, holding her arms up. The daycare worker shakes her head.
“Sorry, Laura. Rules are rules. If you escape, you get put in baby jail until your mommy or daddy pick you up.” The daycare worker ruffles Laura’s hair. “Have fun with Kyle here, okay? I’m sure your parents will be here soon.” Laura looks at the other toddler in the playpen, Kyle. He’s fast asleep, drool leaking from his mouth. Laura sucks on her pacifier urgently. She’s going to be watched like a hawk now. Escape will be difficult, if not impossible.
Back at the play area, the game of tag finally ends. Kaitlin walks over to the toddler area, only to find it completely deserted. Her jaw drops. Someone must have taken Laura! Either that, or she wandered off. She can’t believe she let this happen. She has to find Laura, now.