I felt like I'd caught up on my sleep when mom came to get me that afternoon. After lunch, I went straight to the cots and laid down, wanting to pick up where I left off that morning.

She slid my shoes on and tied the laces before putting my backpack over my shoulders. "Is your rash bothering you?"

I shook my head. When my diaper was dry and I wasn't moving around, it felt fine. It was any other time that it bothered me.

She took my hand as she pulled her car keys from her purse. "Were you good today?"

I rolled my eyes. "I'm always good."

She laughed and opened the outside door for me. Warm air hit me, reminding me that it was summer. It always feel weird going to school during summer but then again, it wasn't school. It was basically day care while mom and dad worked.

"Why do you have to hold my hand? I'm not five."

"I want you to be safe, Lyla."

"I'm not going to run into the street or do something stupid."

She opened the backseat door and removed the backpack from where it hung off my shoulders. "There are rules here, Lyla. All we ask is that you follow them without complaining. Everything we do is for your safety."

I sighed and got into my car seat. "A seat belt works just as well."

She pulled the buckle from between my legs and latched the buckle over my chest. Once they were all locked in place, she pulled on the belt to tighten them and trap me in the seat. "I told you, Lyla. These are the rules we have to follow."

She shut the door before I could argue anymore. I knew if I kept it up, she'd get out the pacifier and punish me. While I still wanted her to know how I felt, I wasn't going to push it.

Mom didn't go the usual way to get home, which I found odd since we never went a different route.

"Where are we going?"

"I have a surprise for you."

"What is it?"

"Dad and I felt bad that you couldn't go outside this past weekend. We wanted to get you some toys for when you get bored."

It was stupid and I kind of hated the idea of it but there wasn't much I could do. It felt like they were going to do it regardless of how I felt. Plus, it wasn't going to be the worst thing to have a stuffed animal that I didn't have to pay for.

Mom pulled into the parking lot of a small dollar store. I didn't expect to see any chain stores in the area. It was so close-knit that even the restaurants were family-owned and one of a kind. It definitely wasn't like our old town.

She came around my side of the car and unbuckled me from my seat. I hopped to my feet and fixed my dress, really not wanting anyone to see the diaper underneath.

Before I could take a step away from the car, mom took my hand and kept me close to her side. "You can pick out one stuffed animal and one toy."

I felt like I was five all over again.

We walked inside and the store smelled old. The shelves were a yellow tint and had different kinds of chips and cookies as we first walked in. It had toiletry items as well as cleaning supplies and tools. We walked to the back left corner of the store where the toy aisle was. There were more toys than I was expecting. Then again, all the kids under eighteen were considered babies. It was only fitting that they had an abundance of toys to choose from.

Several boxes of barbies were stacked at the head of the aisle but I skipped those. I was never a fan and didn't plan on wasting my one toy on a dumb doll.

However, when I passed the baby dolls, I paused. The babies were laying in the boxes and looked realistic, at least compared to the barbies. My eyes found a bald baby with chubby cheeks and a pink onesie covering her body. There was a bib, pacifier, bottle, and matching hat to go with the baby.

Mom brushed some of my hair behind my ear. "Do you like that baby doll?"

It felt dumb to say I did as if I was giving in to playing with toys and dolls. But compared to most of the items there, it was the best option to go with.

I swallowed and nodded, pulling the box away from the others. Mom took it from me and tucked it under her arm.

"What stuffed animal do you want to get?"

My eyes didn't spend long on the stuffed animals. I ignored the bears and went straight for the bunnies. I took a white one off the shelf and held it close to my chest.

I followed mom to the front where the register was. An old man with a bald head and glasses stood behind the counter.

"Did you find everything okay today, ma'am?"

"I think we did." Mom set the box on the counter then took the bunny from me to put it on top.

The man rang both items up and put the box into a large bag. "Do you want to carry the bunny out?"

I nodded, feeling my cheeks redden at how little and childish it made me feel.

He handed the bunny over to me and I grabbed its arm and held its paw-like mom held my hand.

Mom paid then grabbed the bag. She put it into her opposite hand before holding the other out for me to take.

I wanted to protest and argue but we were in public and I already felt embarrassed buying toys. I put my hand in hers and let her walk me back to the car.