All Activity

For those at you who laugh….youre a real piece of work making fun of someone with special needs

I was a bedwetter as a kid but stopped just before turning 6. I was diapered every night in cloth diapers and Gerber plastic pants. I very very rarely even try to wear a diaper to bed (exception is when I took a vacation trip 2 years ago and went 24/7 for the week). Even though I wore diapers up to almost age 6, I can't sleep well at all if I have a diaper on. I'm lucky to get 2 or 3 hours of very fitful sleep all night long if I have a diaper on. Even without diapers, I wake up every hour to hour and a half at night to get up and pee, an average of about 5 times every night. I doubt I could wet in my sleep to save my life, diapers or no diapers.

Hey guys/ littles and daddies, I am in a hard spot and needing help with diapers as I can’t afford and need them, I wear a size medium and am willing to arrange things for diapers if need be. I live in KY where it’s very homophobic, and I suffer from Autism, PTSD, ADHD, severe depression, severe mood disorder. It’s so embarrassing to have to ask for help and write this as I have been off work for 2 years and am waiting for disability. Please DM me or email me with any concerns or responses…. Much love and stay padded my friends

With your morning routine while making coffee and reading e-mails 💩, the extra room should come in handy!

Hey guys/ littles and daddies, I am in a hard spot and needing help with diapers as I can’t afford and need them, I wear a size medium and am willing to arrange things for diapers if need be. I live in KY where it’s very homophobic, and I suffer from Autism, PTSD, ADHD, severe depression, severe mood disorder. It’s so embarrassing to have to ask for help and write this as I have been off work for 2 years and am waiting for disability. Please DM me or email me with any concerns or responses…. Much love and stay padded my friends

Hey guys/ littles and daddies, I am in a hard spot and needing help with diapers as I can’t afford and need them, I wear a size medium and am willing to arrange things for diapers if need be. I live in KY where it’s very homophobic, and I suffer from Autism, PTSD, ADHD, severe depression, severe mood disorder. It’s so embarrassing to have to ask for help and write this as I have been off work for 2 years and am waiting for disability. Please DM me or email me with any concerns or responses…. Much love and stay padded my friends Please don’t be an a****** and make fun of my mental conditions or financial state. We are supposed to be a loving community and you’re setting a horrible example. Shame on you

I get a bit upset when you scold me as i shrug my shoulders then say "i don't know i thought i big girl to get out on my own i sowwy mommy i won't do it again" i look down as i was sitting on your lap trying not to cry thinking your mad at me for not listening to you.

Kim was at a loss for words she was absolutely shocked that this was her friend's punishment, Kim could go to someone but at the same time with the information that Amber had Kim, she knew she was already on thin ice with her dad so she couldn't blow it this time, she then sat down on the soft floor and moved her friend and pulled her into a hug and on to her lap. It felt awkward as she sat her friend's padded bottom onto her lap hearing the soft crinkling of a diaper underneath. "Look ummm okay ummm oh man, it's okay." Kim said awkwardly blushing as she wondered how to talk to her friend who was acting like a baby.

😛 😈

Evelyn rushed over and immediately grabbed her daughter and picked her up, "Valeria I told you to stay in your crib, I wasn't going to be gone long." She said scolding her daughter and taking her over to the rocking arm chair, Evelyn then sat down and then sat her Valeria on her lap before she continued talking, "why were you getting out of your crib do you want to watch TV or do you want to have more space to play with your toys?"

The stroke landed me in two emergency rooms, and three hospitals. In both emergency rooms they were too busy running tests to worry about my underwear, so I was wearing a Molicare when I was admitted and sent to a ward. The staff insisted that I wear the flimsiest pull ups imaginable, and they changed me during the wellness checks every three hours, and when I buzzed for them in between. It was not a big deal. The third unit was a stroke rehabilitation ward, and the same routine until the last three days. By then I could walk around unassisted, and had some use of my right hand (my right side was paralyzed in the beginning),so they stopped the wellness checks and let me wear my own diapers. At night I would spread out my Bambino Bellissimo, lay down and powder myself, then pull the diaper into place. Then a nurse would come in and do the tapes. They taught me a neat trick: inhale,then exhale and squeeze your abdominal muscles for a count of three. They apply the tapes one by one, and you get a very secure fit. Some of the staff were interested in the diaper, and so I ended up singing its praises. We all laughed about the cheap, shoddy pull ups they were using, but we all know how cheap hospitals are when it comes to patient care. Everybody who changed me, both male and female, was thoroughly professional, and the therapists worked hard to get me to bathe and change my diapers without assistance. When I left the hospital, I was self-reliant, and in no small part because I was working with real pros. So my advice would be to wear what you need, and rely on professionals to behave professionally. I have tried to convey a sense of this professionalism in the scene with Herb and Bernice.

Kind of hard to do when Emily has a paci in her mouth...

Well, in fairness, you are. 🤣

Rags

This reminds me of something I read before about stuffing more fluff into a diaper. As it goes you take about 3 diapers apart take the fluff out of 2 of them and add it to the 3rd and glue it back together. This kinda works on cheaper diapers to make them better.

@DiaperedDarkElf wanna and winning are 2 different things. @LilRugrat wrong again I’m the winner here!

Saving both Betty and Ashley would be a very soft conclusion. Pete could sacrifice Brother to save them but that also lets the main character off the hook. When push comes to shove Amazon’s will no doubt be the same a humans and do what they need to to save their own skin. He cares for Ashley, but he will have stronger feelings for his wife and will do everything he can to save her from being regressed. Brother has a support network but that won’t be much good to him trapped in Pete and Betty’s house, he is on his own and will need to use every trick he has learnt to get out of this situation and Peirama, Ashley and Betty will need to fend for themselves. Betty will plead with her husband to save Ash, she is even likely to offer up Brother as a sacrifice to keep Ash. Having enjoyed having Ash call her Mommy she won’t be too worried about her now being regressed again. The General may also have a say in what happens, one solution he would no doubt seriously consider to keep everyone happy is for Ash and Brother to both be regressed, Beakerman to be given Ash to be the baby doll she is wanting and Peter and Betty get given Brother as their punishment. Every time Betty looks at Brother she will be reminded of the little girl she could have had and enjoyed if she had played the game instead of being a willing conspirator. That would leave the story open for some sequels, Ashley’s life with Beakerman where she is systematically regressed and Brother’s life with Betty and Pete where he will have an opportunity to try and save Ash and make an escape at a future point

Kayla smiled she always liked when Becky got in trouble got put in her place.. Sure she might be the only one in diapers and being the baby of the house to the tee… It was still nice when that little brat got put in her place! “No please I can feed myself!” She cried as everyone laughed.. Kayla groaned as Becky began doing the baby talk telling her what kind of nuns nums she was about to eat. She made a face and felt her stomach turn.. Strianed beef! She wanted to cry!!

Gags

Winner i am

The magic begins... Lucky guy! It was also a really great way to show the areas of the facility some more. May be another user of those size 5 diapers with similar potty is offensive mentality down the road...? 🤣 Looking forward to more! 🙂

James laid there and heard the tapes being ripped open as this was now a sound he heard everyday in his life! He knew to lay there and be still during his diaper charges only if told to lift up would he do it.. He felt his legs being lifted he flinched as the baby wiped wiped his bottom real good.. James knew the cooing insults she was making weren’t meant to be answered as she cooed and made silly faces all wile saying he was a little sissy.. There it was questions even in that sick cooing and baby talk. Questions he was supposed to answer.. He wasn’t sure to do it in baby talk but he errored on the side of caution two ways. One that was what he was supposed to do or two and most importantly she would like it and score some brownie points. Maybe just maybe she touch me and rub my diaper. “Yeth mommy wees Wot wig woy mees sissy baby wurl.” He said say he’s not big boy he’s sissy baby girl.. He really wondered If they knew what he said.. As he was being changed he thought about when he talks how they would have a translator.. He snapped out of his dream as he felt the powder being poured on him and rubbed in then the smell.. He loved that smell when he was a daddy he’d make sure his girls smelt like a baby! Now it was being used on him instead of him using it! James clapped as it did feel better but once again he was hoping to make mommy happy and score double brownie points!!

Kayla was always jealous of her mommy’s as they wore sexy cloths and all her clothes had a funny animal or a block or puppies rabbits..: Some has snaps in her crotch for easy diaper changes. She was jealous how they both had such nice clothes and she had baby clothes! She looked at the drink she had in her hand and wished that she could have one! Anything that wasn’t in a bottle or sippy cup that she was able to have for a week but she threw a tantrum and they said that she would be drinking out of her baby bottle cause she was a baby and too little for sippy cups.. They both smiled and laughed and both said bad mommy’s and cooed at her as she laid there drinking her bottle of baby formula.. All she had left was memories of a life that was left behind and now she was in her new world.. ”Surprise what surprise?” She asked curiously.. Before Kyla could do anything annnie took her hand and waved like so many parents or babysitters do with the baby.. Kayla did as she was instructed.. That was her new life not asked but instructed!

Chapter 5 - A Day in the Life at the Recreation Center Sarah Baker arrived at the Sunnydale Recreation Center just as the morning sun reached the length of the property. She balanced a cardboard tray of coffee cups in one hand and fumbled with her keys in the other, as she approached the front door. The weight of the upcoming week already felt like it was settling on her shoulders. Five days of summer programming lay ahead—her first full week since the grand opening. Her to-do list seemed to multiply every time she glanced at it, and she figured an early start might help her get some things done early. "Morning, boss lady!" Jill called from behind the reception desk, her long blonde hair hanging graciously at her shoulders, with a bright white smile on her face. "Please tell me one of those is for me." Sarah smiled and set the tray down. "Hazelnut latte, extra shot. And I brought muffins." She placed a paper bag beside the coffee. "We've got thirty new enrollments to process today, and I figured we could use the fuel. Lots of new members! So exciting, isn’t it?" "You're a lifesaver," Jill said, immediately reaching for the coffee. "The phone's been ringing non-stop since six-thirty." Sarah glanced at the clock—7:15 AM. "Have you seen Matthew?" Jill shook her head. "Not yet. Want me to call when he comes in?" "That would be great. He ran out early to get something but I figured he might be here by now." Sarah grabbed her own cup and headed toward her office. Sarah’s desk greeted her with stacks of paperwork—insurance forms, activity waivers, staff certifications, and budget spreadsheets. Sarah sighed and dropped into her chair, taking a long sip of coffee. The computer screen blinked to life, revealing seventy new emails since Friday afternoon. "And so it begins," she murmured, tucking a strand of brown hair behind her ear. Three hours later, she'd made impressive headway through the administrative mountain but felt the familiar itch to be out where the action was. The distant squeals and laughter of children and excited conversations between adults filtered through her office walls. It was a call she couldn’t resist any longer Sarah saved her budget spreadsheet and stood, stretching her arms overhead until her spine popped. At the reception desk, a line of parents clutched enrollment forms while Jill and the other receptionists valiantly managed the controlled chaos. "Need a hand?" Sarah asked, slipping behind the desk. Relief washed over Jill's face. "These five need to be processed," she whispered, nodding toward the waiting families. "And I've got a call on hold about a private birthday party booking." "I've got this. Take the call in my office," Sarah said, turning to the first parent in line with a warm smile. "Hi there! I'm Sarah Baker, the center director. Let's get your little one signed up, shall we?" For the next hour, Sarah processed forms, answered questions about programs, and handed out welcome packets. Each family left with a personalized recommendation for activities based on their child's interests—the swim team for the tall boy, art camp for the shy girl, robotics for the twins who couldn't stop talking about their science fair project. It felt nice to be talking to the actual people she had built this all for. By lunchtime, the rush had subsided, and Jill returned with Sarah's now-cold coffee. "You saved my life," she said. "Oh, and Mr. Fernandez called about using the gym for a community basketball tournament next month. I put it on your calendar." Sarah nodded, scanning the reception area. "Still no Matthew?" "Nope," Jill replied. "I walked by his office. It looked like he had been there, but he wasn’t in it. Want me to try his cell?" "I'll do it later," Sarah said, though concern nibbled at the edges of her mind. "I should get back to those grant applications." Tuesday brought more paperwork and still rare sightings of Matthew. After finalizing the summer swimming lesson schedule and approving three field trip permission forms, Sarah escaped to the playground. The fresh air washed over her like a shower of cold water, and the sunshine warmed her face as she watched children climb, swing, and race across the poured-in rubber surface. Madison Torres was leading a group of preschoolers through an elaborate game involving hula hoops and bean bags. Her curly hair bounced as she demonstrated how to toss the bags, her voice carrying across the playground in a sing-song rhythm. "Ms. Sarah!" Madison called, waving enthusiastically. "Come show them your bean bag toss! You're way better than me!" Sarah laughed and joined the circle, kneeling to demonstrate the proper technique to all the kids. "It's all in the wrist," she explained, guiding one boy’s small hand. His successful toss into the hoop earned her a gap-toothed grin that made the spreadsheets momentarily vanish. After twenty minutes of playground games, Sarah reluctantly headed back inside, her spirits lifted despite the growing questions about Matthew's whereabouts. She'd left three voicemails on his phone and sent several texts, all unanswered. Wednesday morning, Sarah found herself buried in paperwork again. After a brief phone call with Matthew, in which he’d promised to check in on some of the afternoon programming, she worked diligently to wrap up he paperwork. By afternoon found Sarah at the outdoor pool, clipboard in hand as she reviewed the lifeguard rotation schedule. The scent of chlorine mixed with sunscreen, and the slap of wet feet against concrete created a percussion backdrop to children's laughter. “No running by the pool,” Sarah called out after one group, though their energy and excitement were infectious. "Marcus, how are the new rescue tubes working out?" she asked the young lifeguard, who sat vigilant on his elevated chair, sunglasses reflecting the pool's rippling surface. "They're great, Ms. Baker," he replied, his eyes never leaving the swimmers. Sarah made a note on her clipboard. "And the chemical balance has been stable in the pool? They mentioned that we should check often the first week or so to see how its impacted once people get in." "Yep, checking it every two hours as requested." Marcus adjusted his whistle. Sarah nodded, not wanted to distract Marcus any further. She spent another hour at the pool, chatting with parents in the shade of large umbrellas and helping a tearful kindergartner locate her missing flip-flop. “It’s right here sweetie. It was UNDER your towel silly!” By Thursday afternoon, Sarah was exhausted. The works was satisfying, but she was looking forward to her weekend away with her sister and Matthew. “Matthew,” she said aloud to herself. She smiled thinking of the possibility that they would have together. ‘Still, it would have been nice to be able to see him around here during the day more.’ Though they went home together at the end of every day, Sarah couldn’t seem to find him, or even run into him during the day.” “It’s like we’re running circles around each other here. We must just constantly be missing each other!” Sarah explained to Rebecca as they went over the details for the weekend. "You know how he gets when he's deep into a project," Rebecca had said. "He probably found some cozy corner of the center to hide in with his laptop and figure out his next thing." But Sarah had checked every corner, or so she thought. The music room, the computer lab, the gymnasium—all without a trace of her husband. They had always been busy with people; kids playing Sweet Caroline, others molding clay, teenagers playing computer games. But no Matthew to be seen. The center had run smoothly despite his absence. "Or maybe it’s running smoothly because he is working so hard and I’m just not seeing it, locked up in here all day,” Sarah said to her sister. Still, something felt off, and Sarah couldn't shake the feeling that she was missing something important. “Don’t worry about it Sar. Tomorrow we’ll head out in the afternoon, and you’re going to see him all weekend. And, well, we…well I, have uh..” Her sister went silent. Tomorrow they were supposed to drive to the vineyard with Rebecca and Daniel for Rebecca's birthday weekend. “Have what Becca?” Sarah asked. She could tell her sister wanted to talk about something. “It’s not important for now. Tomorrow. Well talk tomorrow. For now, go find Matthew.” _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- Matthew Baker hadn't intended to spend his Monday morning at the recreation center. He'd planned to work from home, wrapping up some notes he had promised to send over to the company that had acquired his as a favor, and then to head over in the afternoon to help Sarah out. But something about the building called to him as he drove past, a gentle tug that he couldn't quite explain. He found himself pulling into the parking lot, coffee in hand, telling himself he'd just pop in to see how Sarah was doing, and then to head back home. Yet when he stepped through the side entrance, bypassing the main reception area, the cheerful sound of laughter ensnared him, and he found himself wandering towards it. The sounds grew louder as he approached a door marked "Music Room" up on the second floor. Inside, a dozen middle schoolers sat in a loose circle, each holding an instrument. A young woman with glasses and a bright scarf waved her arms enthusiastically, guiding them through what sounded like a beginner's attempt at "Sweet Caroline." Matthew lingered in the doorway, coffee forgotten in his hand. The instructor gave him a courteous wave before turning her attention to help one of the kids adjust their instrument. Spotting another kid struggling to adjust their seat, Matthew crossed the threshold of the room, and made his way toward the kid. "Hey there!" The instructor spotted him. "You're just in time. We need someone on keyboard." Matthew blinked, opening his mouth to explain that he was just passing by. It was off that she greeted him a second time, but he didn’t read into it. Still, he was the co-founder of the center, not a participant. "I don't really play," Matthew heard himself say, rather than explain who he was. "Perfect!" she said, as if his protest made complete sense. "This is a beginner's group. Come on in." Before he could object further, Matthew found himself being guided by the instructor and seated at an electronic keyboard next to a gangly boy with braces who offered him a fist bump. "I'm Max," the boy said. "First time?" "I... Yes,?" Matthew replied, his fingers hovering over the keys. ‘Better to be polite than be remembered as the rude husband of the director. “You as well?” Max nodded, turning back toward the instructor to wait for his cue. The instructor—Ms. Melody, the kids called her—placed a simplified sheet of music in front of everyone, including one for Matthew. "Just follow along with the colored notes. Blue is your right hand, red is your left." Matthew stared at the sheet. He'd taken piano lessons briefly as a child, quitting after three months much to the chagrin of his parents. ‘But I am not supposed to be here.’ Yet, before he could protest, Ms. Melody counted them in, his fingers found the keys with surprising ease. An hour later, Matthew emerged from the music room with a strange lightness in his chest. He'd completely forgotten about finding Sarah or returning to work. ‘I can’t believe I spent the whole morning…just playing the piano.’ When had he last done something on a Monday morning just because it was fun? His phone buzzed in his pocket—probably the company looking for their notes he promised. But rather than check it, he slipped it back, feeling an unexpected rebellion against responsibility. One day of exploration wouldn't hurt, would it? He had earned this break, after all. “They can wait until tomorrow,” Matthew found himself saying aloud, before heading back to his office for a short break, and then deciding to take Ralph on a hike. Tuesday morning arrived with the same inexplicable urge to visit the center. Matthew told himself he'd just stop by for an hour, this time actually to help Sarah, then head home to finish the notes he promised he’d provide. But as he stepped into the building, he found his mind became hazy, and he drifted about in the already crowded halls. ‘I mean…I’ll just make sure that everything is in order.’ Sarah, after all, had come home complaining about all the paperwork she had to do. ‘She’ll feel better knowing I am making sure all the programming is running smoothly,’ he told himself. This time, his feet carried him to the computer lab. Through the glass door, he saw rows of computers where high school-aged children clicked and typed under the supervision of a bearded man in a plaid shirt, and the kid who had introduced herself as Amy on their tour. Matthew stood, watching from the outside. He waved at Amy, who stared at him as though she had no idea who he was. He turned his gaze instead to the group of teenagers who were playing an online game together, one he was not familiar with. ‘Spent many hours in labs like this, but never gaming...’ Matthew reflected on the thought. “Ten minutes couldn’t hurt. Then, I’ll head back home.” Matthew walked to the door and pushed it open, stepping foot inside. Before he could say a word, Amy approached him. “Hey you! I was wondering when I’d get to see you again? First shift today? Or are you on break?” Amy’s energy was a sharp contrast to her treatment of him through the window. Matthew breathed a sigh of relief, happy that he hadn’t offended her. “Ah…not helping today. Just, you know, passing through to make sure all the programming is going smoothly” Amy returned the remark with a warm smile. “Well as long as you aren’t on the clock, why don’t you sit down and play a bit? It’s a neat cooperative game. It’s called “Amidst Us.” The players all work together to find the one imposter among you all. Its a fun and silly game!” Before Matthew could say no, Amy had turned him around with surprising ease, and guided him to an open computer. He found himself blushing. However, not wanting to be rude, he sat down, and opened the game on the computer. He turned to his left, to smile at the girl sitting beside him, before queueing into the game. Matthew found himself getting lost it the game. He barely noticed as some teens trickled in and out of the lab. Instead, he was completely immersed in the game. ‘The closest I’ve ever gotten to playing a computer game was testing the educational software I built,’ he thought stifling a laugh as he worked to catch the imposter in that round. “This is a blast!” A few heads turned to look at his sudden outburst, but Matthew barely noticed. Matthew had completely lost track of time, getting lost in the game in front of him. Mr. Ben, the supervisor, patted him on the shoulder. "You've got a knack for this. Unfortunately, we have a group of Kindergarteners coming into the room for a very basic class. You’re welcome to stay, but it may be a little boring for you." Matthew actually found himself considering it for a moment. But another glance around the room and he saw that Amy had left as well, and he was now alone. “Ah…Better I get back to work Mr. Ben. Thanks for the offer though. I’ll set Sarah know what a wonderful job you’re doing.” Matthew found himself leaving the computer lab with a big smile on his face. Behind him, Mr. Ben watched him look away with a short-lived face of confusion before a group of five and six year old kids strolled in. Heading back toward his office, he spotted Sarah, deep in conversation with one of the day care workers out in the playground. ‘Madison…..maybe,’ Matthew thought, trying to remember her name. Rather than bother her, he figured he would just meet her after, and so Matthew headed back into his office instead. Wednesday morning, Matthew stood in his home office, staring at his laptop. He had just wrapped up sending the long promised notes to acquiring company’s director. Soon after, his phone rang. It was Sarah. “Hi sweetie! What’s up?” Matthew greeted his wife. “Hi babe. Do you mind swinging by the recreation center this afternoon? I have to do some work at the pool, and I’d love if you could go check out the programming upstairs.” Matthew didn’t need to be asked twice. After two surprisingly fun days at the recreation center, he found he enjoyed supervising the programming. “Of course sweetie. I’ll be on the lookout for you when I get there too.” This time, Matthew moved through the building with growing anticipation. He found himself upstairs once again, passing the music rooms and a few multipurpose rooms with different activities going on in each. As he passed the art room, he found himself drawn in looking at a mosaic project someone had clearly been working on with great care. Walking in, Matthew began to approach the mosaic when he was interrupted and directed to sit down like the other middle schoolers. Shrugging, he sat and joined a table of students making clay sculptures. Intending only to watch at first, Matthew found himself completely drawn into the fun, and was soon wrist deep in molding clay, laughing with the others around him. As he left his office later that evening, he was happy to be able to report to Sarah, looking exhausted at her desk, that the art program was excellent, and that he’d even participated. “And there’s this beautiful mosaic someone in there has been working on. Its really amazing. Not just the mosaic,” Matthew added. “What’s amazing is this space you’ve created, where people are so free to have these opportunities Sar. I’ll admit, even I am having more fun than I thought there.” Sarah smiled at him, letting a breath of relief escape her lips. Part of Matthew wondered if he should be worried about this strange compulsion to spend so much time in the various programs. He'd built his identity on being driven, focused, achievement-oriented. Yet another part—a part growing stronger each day—simply didn't care. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Thursday afternoon brought a lull in Sarah's administrative whirlwind. She'd finally caught up on enrollment paperwork, finalized the July calendar, and sent out the monthly newsletter to parents. Sarah found that her office felt suddenly too quiet. Deciding that she hadn't ventured to the daycare wing yet this week, she figured it wouldn’t hurt to ensure that the youngest groups at her recreation center were being cared for. Sarah locked her computer screen and stood, smoothing her khaki skirt and adjusting the jade bracelet Diana had given her for Christmas The daycare wing occupied the north-eastern wing of the building, strategically positioned to catch the morning sunlight and shield the afternoon nap room from the heat. The space actually spanned both the main and lower floors, had its own entrance, and was designed to be self-sufficient. As Sarah pushed through the half-door at the entrance, the scent of baby lotion, lavender, and that indefinable sweet smell of young children enveloped her senses. The walls were painted a soft pink, adorned with handprint art and alphabet charts at a low eye level so the kids could see them. Cushy foam mats in primary colors covered the floor, dotted with brand new toys that Sarah had worked with Emily to carefully select. Jordan knelt beside a water table where three toddlers splashed with plastic boats, her dreadlocks tied back with a colorful scarf. "Remember, the water stays in the table," she reminded a chubby-cheeked boy who seemed determined to spill all the water he could on the floor around him. When she spotted Sarah, her face lit up. "Hey! Come to join the nautical adventures?" "Just observing the fleet," Sarah replied, crouching down to the children's level. "What are you sailing today, Captain?" The little boy held up a blue tugboat. "Dis goes fast," he announced solemnly. Sarah returned a smile, before heading elsewhere. Across the room, Madison sat cross-legged in the reading nook, a toddler on either side of her and one perched in her lap, all absorbed in a picture book about farm animals. Sarah noticed the child in Madison's lap wore a pull-up visible beneath his shorts, and one of the girls had the telltale bulk of a diaper beneath her sundress. "Ms. Sarah!" Madison called. "We're learning about pigs. Wanna hear Emma's impression?" The tiny girl in a purple dress scrunched up her nose and let out a surprisingly accurate "Oink!" that sent the other children into fits of giggles. Sarah applauded. "That's the best pig I've heard all day." A door opened from the adjoining room, and Helen Skipps emerged, clipboard in hand and reading glasses perched on the end of her nose. Her black hair was pulled back in its customary precise bun, and as she approached, Sarah felt confident she had selected a great supervisor. "Sarah, wonderful to see you venturing to our corner of the universe," Helen said, her voice carrying that blend of warmth and efficiency that Sarah had come to associate with her. "Just updating our supplies log. We're running low on the size five diapers, but seem okay on the rest. It appears to be a popular size for us." Sarah nodded. "I'll order more tomorrow and update the recurring shipment to include more of those. Everything else okay?" "Smoothly, all things considered." Helen gestured to a little boy being led to the changing table by one of the other assistants. "Theo there has decided toilet training is against his personal philosophy, but otherwise, we're making progress with a lot of the others, even one week in It’s all about reinforcement at home though." As they spoke, a little girl with beaded braids tugged at Sarah's skirt. "Are you the book lady?" she asked, brown eyes serious. Sarah looked questioningly at Helen, who smiled. “We had a guest reader yesterday. They think you’re here to read a book" "I'd love to be the book lady," Sarah said, realizing she meant it, thinking that one day she’d be able to do this for her own child. "Story time, everyone! Ms. Sarah is our special reader today." Jordan and Madison efficiently guided their charges to the rug, helping the smaller ones find spots and gently separating two boys who immediately began to poke each other. Helen handed Sarah a new copy of "Where the Crazy Things Are." Sarah settled into the low chair facing the children, and like second nature, she started. "The night Max wore his wolf suit..." _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Across the building, Matthew pushed open the door to the gymnasium, drawn by the squeaks of sneakers on polished wood and the hollow thud of a basketball hitting the backboard. He figured he would jog on the track elevated above the court, watching below as the free play period went on, and let Sarah know how it went. Marcus Rodriguez stood at half-court, directing a game of three-on-three between a group of teenagers. His red lifeguard shorts had been exchanged for basketball shorts and a faded t-shirt with the sleeves cut off, whistle still hanging around his neck out of habit. Before Matthew even made it to the staircase on the edge, Marcus called out to him "Hey dude. Matt my man. Over here. We need one more. You in? Or are you working?” Taken back by his familiarity with him, Matthew headed in Marcus’ direction. ‘Why not,’ Matthew decided. ‘It is a community center after all.’ It wouldn’t hurt to get to know his wife’s employee "Yeah….man,” Matthew added, hoping that his use of “cooler” language might make them feel more comfortable playing with the boss’s husband. "Cool. You’re with Carlos and Mikey—they're down by four." Matthew joined the two boys Marcus directed him to. They greeted him with casual fist bumps, as if his he was just one of the guys, not at all questioning why a thirty-something co-founder of the center was joining their game. "I'm a little rusty," Matthew warned as they took their positions. "No worries," said the taller boy—Carlos, he assumed. "Just keep Jeff from driving to the basket. He always goes right." The ball was checked in, and suddenly Matthew was moving. He found himself fully immersed in the game, the concerns of his adult life evaporating with each dribble and pass. He didn't overthink his moves or worry about how he looked. He didn’t care that he wasn’t great. He simply played, laughing when he missed, celebrating when his team scored, even trash-talking in a way that hopefully didn’t cross any lines. Players in and out. Between games, Matthew got to know Marcus better, who was an incredibly kind and cool person. As game after game passed, the afternoon sun slanted through the high windows, casting long shadows across the polished floor. "Sorry guys. That’s all for me. I got some stuff to do.” Matthew said, dripping with sweat. "Same time next week?" Marcus asked as they dispersed, the other boys heading for water bottles and discarded phones. "Wouldn't miss it," Matthew replied, surprising himself with how much he meant it. He found himself thinking of the game as he wandered back toward the hallway that led to his office. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sarah sank into her office chair as the recreation center quieted around her. The Thursday evening children's programs were winding down, parents collecting tired kids whose energy had finally been depleted by a day of swimming, crafts, and play. She kicked off her flats under the desk and flexed her toes, wincing at the soreness that came from a day spent mostly on her feet. Four days. She'd survived four full days of summer programming, and the center hadn't collapsed around her. But beneath the accomplishment lurked a question she couldn't ignore: could she keep this up? She'd worn every hat this week—administrator, receptionist, playground monitor, swim instructor, storyteller—and while the variety kept things interesting, the pace felt unsustainable. Sarah glanced at her watch. Eight thirty. Most of the staff had left, parents and children long gone. She should head home too. She got up and headed to Matthew’s office, wondering what he wanted to do for dinner. “We aren’t cooking tonight.” Matthew sat in his office, sweat still dripping down his face. The week had been wonderful so far. The simple joy of play, he realized. The laughter that came easily without the weight of adult concerns. The physical freedom of running, jumping, and playing without self-consciousness. Matthew ran a hand through his hair, trying to make sense of it all. A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. The door swung open, and Sarah stood in the doorway, surprise washing over her tired features. "You're here," she said, the smile extending across her face. Matthew swiveled his chair to face her. "Just catching up on some things. I was shooting a basketball around with some of the workers. They are really nice. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to get to know them better. Her eyebrows rose. "Basketball? You Matthew? That’s the surprise. No wonder I haven’t seen you much! I've checked your office every day. But thank you for going to the activity rooms for me." He couldn't explain that he'd been in the building but somehow not himself—not in any way understood himself at this point. Instead, he offered the simple truth, "Yah! I've been moving around. Different spaces. Getting a feel for how everything's working. It’s all been great so far. You really pulled it off.” A small smile touched her lips. "So," Sarah said, breaking into his thoughts, "are we still on for tomorrow? Rebecca will kill us if we miss her birthday weekend. She's been texting me all day.” ‘The vineyard trip,’ Matthew remembered . The thought of spending the weekend with Rebecca and Daniel, making small talk over wine flights and charcuterie boards, suddenly seemed exhausting. ‘It’s probably just been a long day,’ he decided. "Right, the vineyard," he said with enthusiasm, remembering he did in fact really enjoy wine. "What time are we leaving?" "I told them we'd pick them up around ten." Sarah watched him carefully. "Jill is going to take over for me the next three days. I just hope she doesn’t call with anything serious.” “Perfect," he said finally. "Ten works." Sarah nodded, though her eyes still held questions. "Let’s head home then. I just want to crawl into bed with you. I am wiped.”