“I have to run some errands, so you’re going to daycare.”
“What? I thought you were going to watch me!”
“Whoops,” Kimberly says, shrugging. Olivia scowls. “Aw, don’t get all pouty! Here, have a binky.” Kimberly pops a pacifier into Olivia’s mouth. Olivia instinctively suckles on it. “Good girl!”
Kimberly carries Olivia to a daycare across the street. Once inside, she walks up to the front desk.
“Hi, my parents told me to drop off my little sister,” Kimberly says.
“Sure thing! Let’s get her all checked in,” the receptionist says. Kimberly answers the receptionist’s questions. “That’s all I have for you. Do you have anything for me?”
“Yes, actually.” Kimberly sets Olivia on the desk. “Olivia swallowed my mom’s ring earlier today. The doctor said it shouldn’t be a problem, she should pass it. But if she poops, please keep an eye out for it in her diaper. The ring is pretty important to my mom.”
“No problem. You’d be surprised how often something like that happens,” the receptionist says, chuckling. Kimberly laughs as well. “All right, come by at three to pick her up!”
“I’ll be there,” Kimberly promises. She kisses the top of Olivia’s head, then leaves. A daycare worker brings Olivia to the main play area. Olivia sits on the floor, thinking. She’s not completely sure Kimberly will actually pick her up at three. It’s tempting to just leave now, rather than wait the full day, only for Kimberly to not come.