They pull into the parking lot of the daycare Tina works at. Leah looks askance at Tina.
“You knew I had to go back into work after we finished shopping,” Tina says. “And think about it this way. You’ve met all my coworkers. Not to mention, they’re experts on children. If you can convince them that you’re actually my little niece Hailey, you can convince anyone of anything.”
“…Okay,” Leah reluctantly mumbles. Tina smiles.
“That’s the spirit! It’ll go great, I just know it. You’re a much better actress than you think you are, sweetie.”
Tina brings Leah into the daycare, where she informs the receptionist that Leah is her niece, Hailey, and will be spending the day here because her regular babysitter fell through.
“Is she potty trained?” the receptionist asks. Tina looks at Leah thoughtfully. Leah holds her breath. Tina might make it more difficult on her by claiming she’s not potty trained, or make it easier by claiming she is. Tina goes the middle road.
“Partially. She still needs diapers when she sleeps and has to wear pull-ups during the day.”
“That’s a lot better than most little girls her age. I’m impressed!” the receptionist says. Tina smiles at Leah.
“Yes, I’m very proud of little Hailey.” Still sucking on the pacifier, Leah looks up at Tina with a forced smile in return. Tina crouches down to Leah’s eye-height. “Hailey, I won’t be watching you today, I need to watch the babies. But you be on your best behavior, okay?” Leah nods reluctantly. The daycare worker that Leah likes best, Betsy, comes over to take Leah to the room for children her apparent age.
“All right, Hailey, here you are!” Betsy says happily. Leah looks around. It’s filled with children wearing diapers and training pants, playing with toys. Leah’s already bored out of her mind, and she’s spent five seconds in the room.
She can’t spend hours in here. Leah decides to think of a way out.