Laura does her best to try to explain what has happened to her. But thanks to her reduced ability to speak, can’t get her point across whatsoever. By the time they finally give up, Laura is in tears.
“No talk!” she wails.
“It’s okay, Laura, I’ll figure it out on my own,” Kaitlin says calmly. Laura only sobs harder. Kaitlin looks at the door of the nursery, worried. Scott can probably hear Laura and might come in to try to help calm her down. With no other choice, she pops one of Ryan’s pacifiers into Laura’s mouth. Laura stops crying immediately. She stares at Kaitlin.
“If you cried for much longer, then Scott would have shown up to help,” Kaitlin explains. Then, she gets to work. While Laura sits on the changing table, sucking on the pacifier, Kaitlin searches Laura’s bag. Eventually, she pulls out a small container holding two dice.
“That!” Laura says, taking out the pacifier to talk.
“This is what made you so young?”
“Yes! Wolling makes widdle.”
“Huh.” Kaitlin looks the case over in her hands curiously. “Where did they come from?”
“Shop.” Laura pouts. “But no there.”
“Let me guess. The shop these came from was supposed to be at the empty lot I picked you up from?” Kaitlin asks. Laura nods. “Hmm. It’ll be tough, but maybe I can track down wherever it went.” She looks over at Laura. Laura’s eyelids are beginning to droop. “You need to go to bed.”
“No,” Laura mumbles blearily.
“Yes, you do. You’ve had a very eventful day.” Kaitlin picks Laura up and places her in Ryan’s old crib. Ryan’s graduated to a toddler bed, so she won’t need to share with him. Laura immediately curls up. “Sweet dreams.” Kaitlin strokes Laura’s hair, turns out the light, and leaves.
Laura falls asleep quickly.