Ollie stands frozen at the edge of the hallway, his small fingers twisting the hem of his t-shirt. Each step toward the bathroom feels like trudging through thick mud. He glances nervously at the door, the thought of what waits inside making his heart pound faster.
Mom’s voice floats in from the kitchen, her tone both loving and persistent. "Ollie, it's time to use the restroom, sweetheart! Remember, you can't hold it forever." The sound pulls Ollie from his anxious thoughts, but his feet remain rooted, unwilling to move.
Ollie[/@ch_1]’s reflection as he slips inside, shutting out the world beyond. The room is silent except for his soft humming and the gentle tap of his feet against the cold tile.]
Ollie perches on the closed toilet lid, pretending to be busy. He hums quietly to himself, trying to quiet the nervous flutter in his stomach. After a while, he flushes the toilet and runs the faucet, hoping to convince Mom that he’s done what she asked.
Mom[/@ch_2] stands outside the bathroom door, her concern evident in the soft lines etched on her face. She knocks gently, her patience woven with worry.]
"Are you all done in there, Ollie?" Ollie replies quickly, eager to escape her gaze. "Yeah, all done, Mom!" He scurries past her, avoiding her searching eyes as he disappears into the living room’s inviting clutter.
Ollie[/@ch_1] becomes quieter, his eyes darting away whenever Mom draws near. The urge he tries to ignore grows heavier, turning comfort into constant unease.]
Ollie hides behind furniture, clutching his stomach as the discomfort intensifies. He wishes the feeling would vanish on its own, but it only gets worse. Each time he hears Mom’s voice, his anxiety spikes, and shame creeps over him like a shadow.
Ollie[/@ch_1] crouches in a corner, face flushed and breathing ragged. The moment he’s dreaded can no longer be avoided, and tears begin to sting his eyes.]
With trembling resolve, Ollie summons his courage, grunting as he tries to hold on just a little longer. But his body betrays him, and he lets out a small whimper of defeat. Mom appears, her expression torn between concern and relief at finally finding him.
Mom[/@ch_2] feels like warm sunshine after a cold rain. She kneels beside Ollie, brushing the sweaty hair from his forehead. Her voice is gentle as she reassures him, the tension slowly ebbing from the room.]
"It's okay, sweetheart. Everyone has to go sometimes. Let me help you, okay?" Ollie, too embarrassed to answer, nods quietly as she guides him back to the bathroom. This time, he lets her help, and the relief is immediate and overwhelming.
Ollie[/@ch_1] nestles against Mom on the couch, the ordeal behind him. Her hand ruffles his hair, and a gentle smile lights up her face.]
"Next time, let's try the bathroom, okay? I promise it gets easier." Ollie manages a shy smile, hope flickering in his eyes. He nods, silently promising himself never to wait so long again, comforted by the warmth and understanding in his mother’s arms.
