“You’re going back home,” Tina says. Leah sighs in relief. “I think that this acting gig is over, don’t you?”
“Yes,” Leah agrees with a nod. They drive the rest of the way home in silence, Leah mentally cheering to have this horrible, screwed up day finally over. Tina parks in the driveway of the house and lets Leah out of the car seat. She tells Leah to fend for herself for the rest of the day and night, then drives off. Leah, her legs spread apart from her diaper, toddles inside. The moment she gets indoors, she sits on the floor with another sigh of relief.
By the time Tina gets home, Leah’s out of the diaper and back to acting like the teenager she is. Tina jokes about Leah giving up on the method acting so quickly, and Leah just accepts the teasing with a smile. She couldn’t care less about it. She’s just glad she can finally put the messed-up day behind her.
A few weeks later, after Leah’s father has returned home, Tina knocks on Leah’s bedroom door. Leah looks up from her phone.
“What is it, Tina?”
“Do you remember a few weeks ago when you decided to be a little method actor, playing the role of a baby?”
“I remember it being a toddler, but yes,” Leah says. “Why?”
“Well, your father and I booked some tickets for a vacation,” Tina says. Leah winces.
“Let me guess. Were the baby or toddler or whatever tickets cheaper?”
“Yes.” Tina smiles. “I think that it’s time for you to dip your toes into method acting again, Leah.”
“But-”
“It’ll only be a week.”
“A week in diapers!”
“It’ll go by so fast you’ll be surprised when it’s over,” Tina promises. Leah sighs. “It’s nonrefundable, so it’s happening whether you like it or not.”
“Ugh! Fine!” Leah crosses her arms. “Wherever I’m going to be in diapers better be somewhere exciting.”