“Aw, did little Leah make a poopy?” Tina cooed. Leah nodded silently, still avoiding eye contact. “Don’t worry, little Leah, your new mommy will take good care of you!” Tina grabbed a package of diapers and one of baby wipes, tossed them into the cart, and then pushed the cart to the back of the store, where there was a bathroom.
“I’m sorry, Tina, I don’t need diapers,” Leah begged. Tina patted Leah on the head.
“I’m your mommy now, remember? Call me ‘mommy’.” Leah cringed, but did as she was told.
“Mommy, I don’t need diapers.”
“Judging by the boom-boom you made, you do,” Tina said firmly. They arrived at the bathroom. Tina removed Leah from the cart and brought her and the changing supplies into the bathroom. “Now, be a good girl for mommy and behave during your change.” Tina tickled Leah’s tummy. “Good girls get special treats, after all!”
“But-” Leah tried again. Tina’s face hardened. Leah swallowed nervously. “Okay, mommy,” she said quietly. She remained silent and still as Tina laid her on the baby changing table and removed her clothes. When Tina wiped her down, she let out a soft whimper at the cold sensation, but otherwise was quiet.
“Good girl,” Tina crooned, lifting Leah’s butt and sliding a diaper under it. Leah fought the urge to burst into tears as Tina taped the diaper on. “Good girl!” Tina carried Leah out of the bathroom, wearing only the diaper, and put her back into the seat of the cart.
“What about my clothes?” Leah squeaked, covering herself up. Tina laughed.
“No one cares about toddlers running around in just a diaper, sweetie. And you had a mess all over your outfit. They’re so soiled, we’ll have to throw them out.” Leah watched in horror as Tina tossed her clothes into the trashcan. “Okay, time to finish shopping!” Tina poked Leah’s nose. “Don’t think I forgot that you behaved so well. You’ll get a treat.”
Sitting in the seat of the cart, only wearing a diaper, Leah was near tears. Why was Tina treating her like this?