Lela sits cross-legged on the rug, her chin propped in her hands. She looks around at the blocks, dolls, and stuffed animals, letting out a long sigh. The silence feels heavy, and Lela wishes her mom were home to keep her company.
Lela starts to giggle, making up voices for each of her toys, inventing stories about their adventures. Lost in her imagination, she moves her favorite stuffed bear to the head of the parade. For a moment, she forgets she’s alone, swept up in the joy of play. suddenly she feels the need to poop.
Lela scrambles to her feet, hesitating as she tries to decide if she can make it in time. Her heart pounds, and she bites her lip, torn between leaving her toys and her urgent need. she then poops her pants, filling them with a stinky mess
Lela feels tears prick her eyes, and she stands quietly, not sure what to do. She looks down, wishing she could disappear, afraid of what her mom might say when she comes home.
She tries to distract herself by looking at the patterns in the rug, but worry lingers in her chest. She jumps at the sound of keys rattling in the front door, her heart leaping with a mix of relief and dread.
"Oh sweetheart, accidents happen sometimes," her mom says, kneeling down to pull Lela into a warm hug. "It’s okay, really. Let’s get you cleaned up and into some comfy clothes," she adds, brushing Lela’s hair from her forehead. Lela clings to her mom, feeling the tension melt away. She nods, comforted by the gentle reassurance, and soon the two of them are laughing together as they make their way to the bathroom, leaving the parade of toys ready for another adventure.
