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“Thank you.”
Nanny Clara started to push harder. She had a hidden, wiry strength to her. Probably because she spent all day lugging around oversized items and sometimes fully-grown adults, too.
“Higher, Nanny Clara!” Patti squealed as the older woman pushed her gently on the swing, her eyes sparkling with childlike joy.
It felt good to let go, but Patti knew deep down that she was avoiding the reality of her situation – her failure to make a decision during the game session, Trent’s rejection, and the lingering fear of not being able to trust herself again. But in this moment, she couldn’t bear to face those thoughts.
Clara pushed even harder, so hard that for a moment, Patti felt as though she might fly from the swing and float across the nursery.
But she didn’t fly. Her butt remained firmly on the swing.
*
Trent didn’t spend much time in the little house. If he wasn’t at the veterinary surgery, he was normally found at his private cabin, or, sometimes, out in the field with the animals.
As he walked down brightly-colored corridors he was, not for the first time, impressed by the extensive renovations that Takis had undertaken here. He wondered just how much money the Greek had spent on this place. Ithadto be in the millions in total.
Take the Little house. Originally, it had been a rather dilapidated bunkhouse, used by poorly-paid ranch workers. Now though, it was a paradise for Littles. The walls had been decorated with murals of cartoon characters, and paper lanterns hung from the ceilings. Brightly-colored plastic furniture was tastefully placed around the house, while beanbags and cuddly toys were scattered around, too.
The Little House was now a place full of love and warmth, with an air of safety that allowed Littles to be their full selves. Everywhere you looked there was something fun or interesting to see.
It wasn’t just that he’d changed a bunkhouse into a newer, more Little-friendly bunkhouse, either. He’d rethought the interior space. There was a central plaza, which was a communal space for guests. In one corner stood an old-fashioned grocery store, where Littles could shop for whatever they desired, from food to clothes and even toys. There were also several games and activities to keep them entertained for hours on end.
In the center of the room, there was a stage with props, such as costumes and hats for dressing up in — perfect for when Littles wanted to perform plays or re-enact scenes from their favorite movies. It was a lively, creative place.
There were the rooms, which had been fully reappointed. Each one was slightly different, and they were decorated in accordance with the ages of the guests’ Littles. The ranch staff stayed in more traditional, ranch-style rooms, homely but simple. That was, Trent presumed, the type of room that Patti would be staying in.
Then, of course, the crowning glory of the house was the nursery—the beating heart of the Little House.
As Trent approached the door to the nursery, he heard the telltale sounds of laughter and chat. He was nervous but felt sure this was the right thing to do. Still, when he gripped the handle, he couldn’t help but pause as his heart rate spiked.
It’s alright, Trent, you can do this. Just apologize, and make things right.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside.
There she was. Playing on a swing in the corner of the large nursery. She looked incredible. She was wearing a very typical ‘Patti’ outfit. It was unique, colorful, and beautiful.
The sight of Patti laughing and playing so freely tugged at his heartstrings, and he felt another surge of venomous guilt at the thought that he had dampened her spirits the other day. He hesitated for a moment, watching her swing and giggle, her carefree nature further endearing her to him. Then, he steeled himself and approached.
“Uh, Patti?” he called out tentatively, causing the room to fall silent as everyone turned to look at him. Clearly, Bigs didn’t come into the nursery so often. Nanny Clara, who had been pushing Patti on the swing, brought her to a halt. When Patti saw Trent, the surprise was written all over her face.
“Hi, Trent,” she replied, her voice wavering slightly.
The last thing he wanted was to cause her even more anxiety. “Can we talk for a moment? In private, maybe?” he asked gently, his eyes soft and apologetic.
“Can I, Nanny?” Interesting that she had to ask Clara’s permission. Her self-confidence had to be at an all-time low.
“Of course you may, Patti. How polite of you to ask.”
Trent led Patti out of the nursery into the corridor outside. As they left whispered conversations started up again. No doubt, he and Patti were the latest topic of conversation.
“I’m sorry I disturbed you,” Trent said.
“That’s alright.” She could barely meet his gaze. She was acting so differently from the vivacious, confident woman that Trent knew her to be. Had he done so much damage to her?
“Listen, Patti, I wanted to apologize for my earlier behavior,” Trent said, taking a deep breath. “I was, uh, too curt with you. I’m sorry.”
“Apology accepted,” Patti said, smiling weakly. For the first time, she looked at him.
