Tina comes back, laden with shopping bags. She checks on Leah quickly. Leah is sitting in the playpen, not doing anything, just sucking on the pacifier.
“Leah, a real young toddler or older baby would play with the toys,” Tina says. “If you’re going to want to be a daycare attendee, you’re going to act like one all the time.” Leah nods. She picks up the toys and begins to play with them. Tina goes to put the items she purchased away.
When Tina returns to Leah, her teenage stepdaughter is still playing with the baby toys. She picks Leah up and sits on the floor with Leah on her lap.
“Here are the rules, Leah,” Tina says. Leah looks at her. “I will be treating you like a young toddler or older baby all the time. That means only using diapers, taking naps, playing with baby toys, watching baby TV, going on walks in the stroller, and eating only food appropriate for someone that age. No more sushi or Starbucks.” Leah nods, looking a bit disappointed. “In addition, you need to act your apparent age all the time.”
“No talk like teen?” Leah asks around the pacifier.
“Correct. Only talk the way you just did, sweetie.” Leah nods. “Do you think you can handle all of that?” Leah nods again. “Good girl.”
Tina is convinced that Leah will give up after a few days. Surely, her stepdaughter can’t actually want this baby life.