Before they can decide on their next move, someone bumps into Kaitlin. The dice fall out of her hand, rolling on the floor. Laura hurriedly scoops them up just as they hear the spirit of the dice speak again.
“Nine and ten years you have walked this Earth. Now these numbers are but eight and four. Each roll of the dice shall return more of what has been lost.” Laura shrinks slightly, but not enough to merit another costume change. Kaitlin, on the other hand, goes from elementary school to preschool. She stares up at Laura in horror.
“Okay, just stay here,” Laura says, picking Kaitlin up and setting her on the bench in the dressing room. “I’ll get you some new clothes.”
Laura returns a few minutes later with ballet flats, a sundress, and, to Kaitlin’s disgust, training pants. Kaitlin glares at the training pants in Laura’s hands.
“Look, it was the only thing in your size,” Laura says briskly. She removes Kaitlin’s now too-large outfit, pulls the training pants up, slips the dress over Kaitlin’s shoulders, and then helps her put on her shoes. “There.”
“We thould go now,” Kaitlin says. She scowls at the discovery that her childhood lisp has returned.
“I agree.” Laura puts the dice into their case and stuffs them in a pocket for safekeeping. “Come on.” Once Kaitlin hops off the bench, Laura grabs her hand and drags her out of the store. “I think it’s time to go to the magic shop. We shouldn’t delay it any longer.” Kaitlin merely nods in agreement.
Laura takes out her phone to look up directions.
“It’s not too far. We should be able to walk there,” she says, stuffing her phone back into her jeans. She takes Kaitlin’s hand again and they set off.