Monica took a deep breath, feeling the softness of the padded floor beneath her tiny hands and feet. She giggled to herself, excited to explore this new world as a toddler. With a bit of unsteadiness, she pushed herself up to her feet, holding onto a nearby block tower for support. The blocks wobbled precariously, but Monica managed to steady herself, her eyes shining with triumph.
She took her first step, then another, her little legs wobbling as she toddled across the room. The soft crinkle of her diaper beneath the orange overall dress was oddly comforting as she toddled around, arms slightly raised for balance.
Each step was a little wobbly but full of determination. She wandered past building blocks stacked like towers, plush animals napping in the corners, and other toddlers giggling and babbling in their own little worlds.
Just as she was reaching out for a squishy rattle toy shaped like a frog, a warm, familiar voice called out from near the baby gates.
“Well now, look at you, little miss waddler!” came the voice, filled with joy and warmth.
Monica turned her head and let out a surprised but delighted squeal as Madame Illusia appeared. The witch was no longer in her mystifying carnival robes—instead, she wore a cozy, cheerful preschool teacher’s outfit: a lavender blouse with playful flower patterns, a long flowing skirt with pockets (some holding crayons), and her silver hair tied back in a low bun with a ribbon that sparkled like stardust.
Before Monica could toddle closer, Madame Illusia leaned down and scooped her up from the floor with gentle arms. Monica squealed in delight and snuggled into her caretaker’s arms, her little hands clinging to the fabric of Madame Illusia’s top.
“You’re already exploring like a big girl, aren’t you? What a precious little toddler you’ve become,” Madame Illusia cooed, swaying gently side to side as she cuddled the tiny girl.
Monica beamed, her cheeks flushed with happiness as she let out a series of soft baby giggles. “Uh-huh! I toddled eberywhere!” she babbled, her words adorably slurred by her pacifier. Her heart felt light and warm in a way it never had before.
Just then, a soft ding-dong! echoed from a whimsical cuckoo clock hanging on the wall.
“Ohhh, you hear that, little one?” Madame Illusia said, her voice suddenly taking on an excited lilt. “That means it’s story time!”
Madame Illusia carried Monica to the middle of the soft, padded floor and gently sat her down. “You stay right here, sweetheart. I’ll be back with all your new friends.”
Monica plopped down on her diapered bottom and watched with wide, sparkly eyes as Madame Illusia gracefully moved around the room, gathering toddlers and babies one by one. Some toddled on their own, a few crawled, and others were gently carried in just like Monica had been. A few still had messy faces from snacks and one or two needed a quick diaper change before joining the circle. Monica watched all of this with wide, fascinated eyes. Each girl had their own unique look and personality, and it made Monica feel warm inside to know she’d be spending her days with them. Some wore dresses, others wore onesies. Some had pigtails like hers, and others had short curls or little bows.
When everyone had been gathered and seated, Madame Illusia sat in a rocking chair and opened a large, beautifully illustrated storybook.
“All right, my little darlings,” she said softly, “tonight’s story is very special… it’s called The Girl Who Dreamed of Flying.”
As Madame Illusia started reading, the room fell silent, except for the occasional giggle or coo from the little ones. While some of the other little girls were starting to get distracted, Monica remained completely locked in. Her big, curious eyes never left Madame Illusia, and every word seemed to land like magic on her tiny ears.
As Madame Illusia described each page of the book, Monica liked to imagine herself in those same situations. She bounced excitedly on her padded bottom, the crinkle of her diaper barely audible over the gentle cadence of the story. She even started laughing and clapping at some of her favorite parts of the book.
Madame Illusia noticed and smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling. “Someone’s really enjoying the story, hmm?” she cooed, pausing to give Monica a little wink. Monica grinned, kicked her feet happily, and gave a babyish giggle.
Just as Madame Illusia was about to reach the end of the book.....