Molly woke up to find Becky leaning over her. But something wasn't right about Becky. She looked younger than Molly remembered, not much older than Molly herself. She wore a tight-fitting pink dress Molly recognized as the one Aunt Prudence had given Molly to wear on her third birthday. Strangest of all, Becky was crying.
Molly wanted to tell her not to cry, but all that came out was a gurgling sound. When she reached out an arm towards Becky she saw how tiny it was. She was a baby!
She howled in protest, furiously kicking her chubby limbs. This wasn't fair! She didn't want to have to grow up all over again. She didn't want to learn to walk, talk, eat, and go potty again. She didn't want to rely on Becky to feed her and change her stinky diapers.
"There now, Molly, hush," Becky whispered. She picked Molly up off the ground, holding her close. Becky's face looked pale and her smile more of a wince. "Everything will be fine."
Molly wanted to say something reassuring, but could only make a cooing sound. Her tiny fingers stroked the side of Becky's nose, wiping away a tear. Don't cry! Molly wanted to say. I'm still here, inside. I only look like a baby on the outside. I'm still me!
Becky rocked her back and forth, whispering that everything would be fine even as she cried. Molly understood then. Becky was scared. She was still a little girl herself, a child trying to act like a grownup. But what was she scared of?
"I'm here now. I'm never going to let you go."
Molly cooed and reached out to touch Becky's nose. Becky kissed her on the forehead and then tickled Molly's belly until she giggled. Becky pressed Molly to her chest again and then set off through the forest. When Molly whimpered at the darkness from the trees, Becky rocked her and hummed a lullaby.
"You look so pretty. I'm going to take good care of you from now on. I'm going to be your mommy."
"Molly? Molly, wake up," a woman's voice said. Molly's eyes flashed open and she found Veronica looming before her with a look of concern. "Are you all right?"
Molly held up a normal-sized hand and nodded. "It was just a dream," she said. She was glad to hear the sound of her own voice. Then she realized that like in her dream she'd wet herself. She hoped Veronica didn't notice or else she might think Molly still a baby who couldn't take care of herself. I'm not a baby, she told herself. I'm a big girl.