Coloring was a surprisingly therapeutic experience, and Lizzie soon forgot about her qualms with the seat, her attention instead focused on keeping her crayons between the lines.

“That’s a nice Tyrannosaurus you got there.” Lizzie looked up in surprise to see Jenny leaning over her seat. Lizzie quickly flipped the book closed. She had been so absorbed in her coloring she hadn’t realized their car had already pulled to a stop.

“Would you like to come get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and grab your Switch?” Jenny asked.

Lizzie nodded. She brought her hands up to her chest only to remember her predicament. Powerless, she rested her hands back down and looked up at Jenny. Her aunt flashed her a smile and began removing the table, slipping the books and crayons back into her purse.

“Curious how it works?” Jenny asked, having clearly noticed Lizzie’s interest. Lizzie said nothing, but gave her a slight nod. Jennifer appeared from behind Jenny, she looked curious as well.

“So normally, the chest clip is locked,” Jenny demonstrated by pressing down on the release, which remained firmly in place. “This,” Jenny pulled out a small red object from her purse, “is the key.” She showed it to Lizzie. On one end, it had a flat and circular base, perhaps half an inch thick. This cylindrical shape smoothed out to a long thin handle on the other end.

“There’s a magnet on this end that unlocks the chest clip.” Jenny held the flat end to the clip before squeezing again. This time, the button depressed and the chest clip sprang open.

“And the other side fits into the hole on the buckle down here,” Lizzie realized.

Jenny gave her a nod of approval, inserting it as Lizzie theorized, the thin end slid through the small slit, depressing the button and releasing the straps.

Lizzie hopped out, grabbing the coat she had left on the seat beside her before stepping out of the vehicle. Outside she stretched all around, happy to get a some fresh air.

“Did you need to use the restroom?” Jenny asked. Lizzie shook her head. She didn’t feel like going now and it would only be a few more hours until they would arrive, she could hold it until then. Jenny nodded, taking Lucas toward the restroom.

While the others were busy, Lizzie took a moment to really stretch her legs. She ran around the gas station, her hair fluttering in the brisk wind. She ran toward a flock of birds, trying to catch one of them.

“Lizzie! Come on, everyone’s ready,” her mom called out.

Lizzie jogged back slowly, relishing her last moments of freedom. She let herself be strapped back into the seat, noting that the key wasn’t needed to secure her.

“Wait—” Lizzie called as the buckle clicked shut.

“Looking for this?” Philip appeared, holding up her Switch bag.

“Thanks,” Lizzie said, taking it with a smile.

The rest of the ride went by quickly as Lizzie found herself immersed within the kingdom of Hyrule. Her mom normally would have chided her for playing on her Switch for so long, but currently, Jennifer was napping for the final leg of the journey.

The sky was beginning to grow dark as the car pulled up to the house. Lucas was unstrapped first and Jenny rushed him in. He had peed around half an hour ago and desperately needed a change. Lizzie packed up her console and waited patiently to be released. The remaining parents also stepped out of the car and began moving the luggage indoors. Lizzie grew a bit impatient as she was left sitting alone in the back seat.

“Alright, looks like we got everything.” Lizzie heard the trunk slam shut and the car doors lock. Lizzie turned to see Grant and her mom moving back toward the house, pulling their luggages.

“Hey!” Lizzie screamed she jerked against the straps but they held fast. Lizzie banged the window, yelling. Immediately, the car was unlocked.

“We got you good.” Philip hopped in through the side door with a stupid grin on his face. Outside, Grant and Jennifer were grinning as well.

“What a dumb prank,” Lizzie said, crossing her arms as she awaited her dad to let her free.

“We’d never forget you my baby girl,” Philip gave her a kiss on the head before unbuckling her.

“Yeah, whatever,” Lizzie said, throwing her jacket on and stepping out of the car.

At the door, the adults all exchanged hugs, having not seen each other in months. Lizzie gave aunt Katherine and uncle Joseph a shy wave.

“Oh come on, we don’t bite,” Joseph said, hands outstretched. She relented, letting herself get pulled into her uncle’s bear hug.

“Those are some adorable PJs,” Katherine commented. Lizzie realized with dismay that in her hurry she’d forgotten to zip up her jacket.

“Thanks,” she muttered, pulling the jacket around her body.

“Well, I’m sure you’re tired, dinner won’t be for another hour or two, so how about I show you to your rooms and let you get settled in,” Joseph said.

They walked into the house. In the living room, the fireplace crackled softly. Lizzie enjoyed their home. The older wooden building was comfortably furnished, the soft couches were covered with plush cushions and warm blankets. The walls were lined with shelves upon shelves of trinkets their family had collected from all over the world. Lizzie recalled the times she and her cousins huddled around the fireplace, listening to her dad and uncle Joseph recall their days in the military and various places they’d traveled around the world. Joseph picking up trinkets as he went around the room, each one told a unique story.

Lizzie’s family had a similar collection at home, albeit much smaller, and with most of them collecting dust in the attic. Sure, her aunt and uncle’s house was messier, but it also gave off a homier vibe. Lizzie decided that in the future she also wanted to travel around the world, collecting stories and artifacts.

They walked by the kitchen next, the smell of turkey was already in the air. Aunt Katherine was already back in the kitchen, working away at a blazing pace. Knife flying as she diced up some vegetables.

The group headed downstairs. Joseph explained that they had renovated and rented out their basement in the past, so they had plenty of rooms to spare. Lucas got the first room with his parents while Lizzie’s parents got the next. Noah and Calvin’s parents would get the final room with their youngest daughter Alice.

As the others began settling in, Lizzie followed Joseph upstairs.

“The twins will go here,” Joseph said, pointing at a guest room. “Charlotte’s room is here, your grandparents will go here, and last but not least, you can have Amy’s old bedroom all to yourself for the weekend.” Lizzie nodded, ecstatic to get a room all to herself. In the past, she had usually roomed with Charlotte or Amy, ending up stressed trying to hide her protection.

Lizzie set down her suitcase and looked around the room. Most of Amy’s belongings had been cleaned out, but there was a corkboard of old polaroids above the desk. Lizzie spent a few minutes admiring the camping trips, parties, and tours Amy had been on. She couldn’t wait to grow up and go on adventures of her own.

After settling in, Lizzie shrugged off her jacket and plopped onto the light pink bed, chess set in hand. She pulled out her newest book, My 60 Memorable Games, a book by one of her and her grandpa’s favorite chess players, Bobby Fischer. Lizzie flipped open to her bookmark, Petrosian v. Fischer. She laid on her stomach and set the pieces, beginning to play along with the moves.

The game started as a King’s Indian Defense, but quickly grew to a sharp position. Petrosian was off to an early advantage, with white slowly squeezing black with every move. The analysis was too advanced for her to fully understand, but with enough focus, Lizzie could begin to see the brilliance in the moves. Fischer managed to get to a stable position, but Petrosian shocked him with a pawn sac. The game continued, but after a long and tenuous battle, Fischer managed to hold the position to a draw.

Lizzie sat back with a sigh, staring for a while at the end position on the board. What an exhausting battle, only for it to end in a draw. Lizzie could only imagine what it felt like to actually sit at the table for those grueling hours.

It reminded her of the one chess tournament she’d played in back in the first grade. She had been playing well, and was second place leading into the final game. Winning it would give her first place. However, it was there that everything had gone wrong. Lizzie had forgotten to use the restroom before the game began, and once it started, she was locked into the battle. Stuck between the intense match and her aching bladder, Lizzie lost control. The floodgates opened, and Lizzie was helpless to stop it as her pee pooled onto the seat. Judges were called as she broke into tears. Thankfully, her dad had leapt to the rescue, wrapping her in his jacket and carrying her off. She shuddered at the memory. Ever since then, she’d been too scared to play in a tournament again, resorting instead to playing online.

A grumble in her stomach brought Lizzie back to reality. Over an hour had passed. Lizzie had been so preoccupied with the game she hadn’t realized a building urge to go number two.

Lizzie leapt up and rushed over to the closest bathroom, swinging the door shut. It was only when she looked into the mirror did she recall what she was wearing.

“No sweat,” Lizzie muttered to herself, reaching an arm behind herself.

She could feel the tab with the tips of her fingers, however, it slipped whenever she tried to get a firm grip on it. Lizzie frowned, trying again with both hands behind her head. Again, the tab slipped just out of reach.

New tactic. Lizzie grabbed the back of the sleeper with one hand, pulling it as far up as she could. Using the other, she managed to get a grip on the tab. She pulled, but the tab slipped once again. Lizzie grunted, trying again, this time making sure to get a solid grip before yanking with all her might. On the third try, there was a series of pops, and the tab came free. Lizzie almost fist pumped at her achievement.

Next up was the zipper. Using the same strategy, Lizzie got a grip on the zipper and slid it down as far as it could go. Then, she flipped her arms the other way, reaching up from underneath. However, to her dismay, the zipper was nowhere to be found.

Lizzie craned her neck and stared at her back in the mirror. She’d managed to slide the zipper down an inch or so from the neck, but, reaching from below, even whilst tugging on the fabric, she was a solid two inches from being able to reach the zipper.

Lizzie stretched and tugged from every possible direction, but the zipper remained firmly out of reach. How could a simple zipper defeat her? She tugged at the fabric in frustration.

Another rumble in her stomach caused Lizzie to bend over, clutching her stomach. She needed to get help, and fast. Lizzie burst out of the restroom and down the stairs. She poked her head into the kitchen, but her parents were nowhere to be seen, so she headed to the living room.

“Nice PJs.” Lizzie turned to see Charlotte, Amy’s younger sister, but more notably, the spawn of the devil herself. Lizzie cursed herself for forgetting her jacket upstairs. “Did you get them in Target’s baby section?” Charlotte mused, flipping aside a lock of her strawberry blond hair as she looked up from her phone.

Lizzie ignored the question. “Have you seen my parents?”

“What? Does someone need her mommy to tuck her into bed?” Charlotte continued taunting. Lizzie felt an urge to walk over and slap her right then and there. She took a deep breath. Charlotte was a year younger, she was just stupid and naive.

“That’s no way talk to your cousin young lady.” Jenny appeared from behind Lizzie with Lucas in tow. “Lizzie only wore Lucas’s pajamas to help him cooperate on the road down.”

“Oh, that’s why they’re matching, so cute,” Charlotte said, unsuccessfully trying to hold back a snicker. But she stopped right as her mom entered the room.

“What’s going on here?” Katherine asked.

“Charlotte was teasing me,” Lizzie said bluntly.

“Oh no, Charlotte wouldn’t do that,” Katherine said. Lizzie rolled her eyes, she never understood how Charlotte’s parents saw her as an angel that could do no wrong. “Charlotte, what should you say to Lizzie?”

“Sawwyyyy, Lizzie” Charlotte said in an over-dramatic baby voice. Lizzie just rolled her eyes.

“Your dad was in the basement with Grant,” Jenny said. Lizzie nodded gratefully, sprinting away. The last thing she needed was for Charlotte to snap a picture with her phone.

In the basement, Lizzie found Philip watching football on the couch with Grant. She ran over and tapped him on the shoulder.

“What’s up, soldier?” Philip said without turning around.

“I need help with the zipper,” Lizzie whispered.

“How about after this quarter?”

“Now,” Lizzie banged her fist on the couch in frustration. “I need to go to the bathroom,” she whispered urgently.

“Alright, alright.” The two walked over to the nearest washroom. Inside, Lizzie turned around and let her dad unzip her.

“What?” Lizzie said, noticing the grin on her father’s face.

“You just reminded me of back when you were a toddler, we had to dress and undress you. Not that you made it easy. Sometimes, it took nearly half an hour just to get you ready to go outside. You were always a feisty little one. However, in the end, it was worth it. Seeing you wrapped in so many layers, round as a ball, running around and falling in the snow. Sometimes your mom and I almost wish we could go back to those days.” Her dad rubbed Lizzie’s head.

Lizzie groaned loudly, shoving her dad out the door. But she couldn’t help but let a bit of a smile shine through.

“Thanks,” she muttered, shutting the door.

Lizzie ripped off her diaper and hopped on the toilet seat. Relief washed over her as she emptied her bladder. The poop took a while longer, but Lizzie didn’t mind. She had a habit of sitting idly on the toilet, swiping away at her phone. That’s what she did now, commenting on a couple photos of her classmates’ Thanksgiving dinners. It was a bit chilly, given her only two pieces of clothing were her bra and the sleeper around her ankles. Lizzie decided to pull them up, sliding her arms through the sleeves.

It was only when she finished got off the toilet did Lizzie realize her new predicament. She had come down with only the diaper and pajamas, with nothing else to change into.

She poked a head out of the bathroom, Philip was no longer in sight. Lizzie cursed her lack of foresight. It left her with no choice. Lizzie wrapped the diaper loosely around her and pulled the zip halfway up her back.

Checking to make sure no one was in the hallway, she snuck out of the bathroom, tiptoeing up the first set of stairs. She crossed the living room. Noah’s family had arrived. He and his twin brother, Calvin, sat with their backs turned, watching TV. Thankfully, Charlotte was nowhere in sight. Lizzie snuck by and bolted up the final flight of stairs.

“Oh there you are, I’ve been looking for you.” Lizzie froze as her mom appeared from her room. “It’s almost time for dinner.”

“I need to change, I’ll be down in a minute,” Lizzie said, walking by her and into her room.

“Oh, and one other thing—”

“Lizzie!” Lizzie yelped as someone leapt out of the room, wrapping their arms around Lizzie’s waist in a tight bear hug.

“—Alice wanted to share the room with you instead of sleeping with her parents tonight.”

“Please, please, pretty please with a cherry on top,” the little girl looked up at Lizzie, her eyes wide and her lips curled in a cute pout.

“Fine,” Lizzie said, rubbing Alice’s head. How could she say no to that face?

“Yay, we’re roomies!” Alice had the most precious smile.

“Alice, how about we go down and get ready for dinner and give Lizzie a moment?” Jennifer asked, reaching out for Alice’s hand. Alice looked up at Lizzie.

“I’ll be right behind you,” Lizzie reassured her. Reluctantly, Alice followed Jennifer down the stairs.

Relieved, Lizzie shut the door, quickly changing into her Thanksgiving outfit she’d planned. Her top was a warm red sweater, that was easy enough. But Lizzie hadn’t been able to decide between her cooler, slightly ripped, black jeans, or her cuter, white, pleated skirt. She finally settled on the jeans. They were more mature looking, and Lizzie needed that after the day’s events. She finished with a pair of wool socks, a gift from grandma Maggie, and ran out to join the others.

The delicious smell of Thanksgiving dinner hit her as she entered the dining room. Most of the kids were already seated at the smaller table, while the adults were slowly taking seats around the larger one. Alice waved to her, pointing to the seat next to her. Charlotte sat to the other side of Alice, while the twins sat opposite of them. The three of them were all on their phones. Aunt Jenny brought Lucas over as Lizzie joined the table.

“Now Lucas, do you want your highchair or do you want to sit here like a big boy?”

“Big boy!”

“Okay, but you have to behave or I’ll go get your highchair, understand?” Lucas nodded his head eagerly, taking a seat across from Lizzie.

Several of the parents shuffled about, setting up the table.

“I’ll help,” Lizzie said, grabbing a bowl of mashed potatoes from her mom and setting it on the table. She then went around, helping set placemats and utensils for everyone.

“What a helpful daughter you got there, Philip,” uncle Joseph commented as the two entered the room. “We practically have to beg Charlotte to do anything.” Charlotte looked up from her phone, giving Lizzie the stink eye. Lizzie gave her a small smirk in return.

“It’s because you spoil her,” Katherine said.

“I do admit we spoil our little princess just a little,” Joseph agreed, giving Charlotte a kiss on the top of her head, much to her distaste.

“Ewww, gross,” Calvin said, apparently sharing the same opinion.

“Calvin…” his father, Samuel, said in a warning tone. Uncle Samuel was Jennifer’s eldest brother, and the oldest of the adults. His hair had already turned mostly gray.

“There’s nothing wrong with a little kiss,” Calvin’s mom, Mira, added, planting one on top of Calvin’s head before he could react.

“Mom!” Everyone at the table laughed.

The doorbell rang, and Grant got up to answer.

“Grandpa, grandma!” Alice yelled, running over to the new guests. The families welcomed them, exchanging hugs all around.

“My, my, Lizzie dear, has your mom even been feeding you? You still look as small as ever,” grandma Maggie said in a joking manner as she wrapped her in a hug. “Your cousins might soon outgrow you.” Lizzie blushed.

“Trust me, she can eat, she’s just a late bloomer grandma Maggie,” Philip said. But this only caused Lizzie’s face to grow redder.

“We’ve been trying everything we can, ma” Jennifer added, giving grandma a hug as well.

“C’mon, everyone gather at the table and let’s get a picture,” uncle Joseph said, setting up a tripod. The four families gathered behind the turkey, the grandparents sitting in the center. Alice sat on their lap while the rest of the kids sat around them. The remaining adults stood in the back.

“1, 2, 3, cheese!”

After they snapped what seemed like a hundred photos— with each family taking some individually as well— they gathered around the main table. Lizzie stared at the feast in front of her, plate in hand. An ex-restaurant owner, aunt Katherine always went all out. Around the gigantic turkey there was a butternut squash soup, a pan of classic stuffing, and an assortment of roasted vegetables. A couple pies sat on the kitchen counter as dessert. There were even two kinds of potatoes. Her stomach grumbled.

“Sounds like someone’s hungry,” grandpa Kenneth chuckled. Charlotte snickered, as Lizzie hid herself behind her dad in embarrassment.

“Dig in everyone!” The kids didn’t need to be told twice. They leapt forward, filling their plates high with food. Soon, Lizzie was munching away, stuffing her face with the amazing food.

“Charlotte, can you pass me the cranberry sauce?” Lizzie asked through a mouthful of mashed potatoes and asparagus.

“Wah wah wuh cranberry sauce?” Charlotte mocked.

“Here,” Noah said, handing it to Lizzie.

Lizzie blushed, swallowing before muttering her thanks.

For the rest of the dinner, Lizzie slowed down her pace, but she still enjoyed the delicious food. The kids table was loud with chatter, from Minecraft and basketball to TV and school. The kids updated each other on their lives over the past few months. The loudest were Calvin and Alice, the two chatterboxes always had something to say. Lucas tried his best to join the conversations as well, although Lizzie could tell it sometimes flew by too quickly for him.

Aside from a few topics, Charlotte seemed to distance herself from the conversations. Lizzie did try talking to her about fashion and boys, and other so-called “girls talk” she oftentimes tried at school. But Charlotte mostly ignored the prompts for conversation, and Lizzie questioned why she had even bothered. Charlotte seemed happier swiping away on her phone as she played with her food.

To be honest, Lizzie found herself a bit disconnected from the others as well. Being the eldest along with Lucas, the conversations about SpongeBob and Hot Wheels were a bit difficult for her to relate to. She chewed her food, knowing better than to try and start a discussion on chess.

Eventually, dinner at the kids table was over, and the other kids began scattering off. Lizzie hung around the table, feeling as stuffed as the turkey they had just consumed. She played idly on her phone, not wanting to move.

After a while, the bloatedness began to subside, and Lizzie decided to join the others. She paused noticing the mess on the table. Again, as effectively the eldest child, Lizzie felt like she had to act her part. She sighed internally, picking up her dirty dishes and returning to the kitchen.

“Thanks Lizzie, you can just leave them there.” Katherine was at the sink, scrubbing away.

Mira and Jennifer entered the kitchen as Lizzie brought back the second round of empty plates.

“Calvin, Noah, come here please!” Mira yelled toward the living room. A few seconds later, the two appeared. “What have we told you about cleaning up after yourselves? Lizzie here is not your maid. Now go bring over the leftover food.”

“Yes mom,” the twins said in unison before scampering off. Lizzie smiled, heading out to get more dishes.

“What I would give to have a daughter like yours Jenn.” Lizzie overheard Mira say quietly. “She’s so well behaved and responsible, unlike my boys.”

“Nonsense, Calvin and Noah are still young. And you should see her at home, she’s certainly not always this way,” Jennifer chuckled. Lizzie turned to leave. “But, our little daughter is certainly growing up.” Lizzie smiled a little at the comment, despite herself.

After helping to load the dishwasher, Lizzie headed to the living room. Noah, Alice, and a few of the adults sat in a circle, playing a game of Monopoly. It was one of Lizzie’s least favorite games. Too much luck and too little skill for her tastes. Others lounged on the couch, watching some show Lizzie knew nothing about.

In the basement, she found Calvin and Charlotte chatting and playing on their phones. The two seemed to get along well. Lucas sat in a corner with Jenny and Grant, occupied with Chompa and an assortment of other toys.

Everyone seemed preoccupied, even Charlotte had managed to find someone to talk to. Whether it with classmates or with family, Lizzie always seemed to have different interests than most, and oftentimes ended up alone. Lizzie sighed, deciding she might as well continue her chess studies. As she headed up the stairs, she ran into Noah and Alice.

“Hi Lizzie,” Alice waved.

“What happened to the Monopoly game?”

“We got bored. Did you bring your Switch?” Noah asked. Lizzie nodded. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s play!”

“Let’s play!” Alice echoed.

Lizzie smiled. She did share some interests at least. “Alright, I’ll go grab it. I even got extra controllers.”

Lizzie returned to the basement a few minutes later with her Switch and other accessories in hand.

“Charlotte, Calvin wanna play too?” Alice asked, offering controllers to the two as Lizzie began setting up the TV.

Calvin nodded, taking one.

“I’ll pass,” Charlotte said, heading upstairs, head still buried in her phone. Lizzie didn’t mind, she only had four controllers anyways.

“Brought us some drinks.” Noah arrived with an armful of drinks in his hand.

“Here,” he handed Lizzie a orange Fanta, “this one’s your favorite right?” he said sheepishly. Lizzie recalled a faint memory of asking Noah for it the last time. She was surprised Noah remembered.

“Are you sure we can have these this late?” Alice asked.

“Uncle Joseph said we could.”

“But mom—” Alice started.

“Good enough by me,” Calvin interrupted, popping open his Sprite and taking a swig.

Lizzie shrugged, popping her can open as well. The four booted up Mario Kart and hopped into a game. Lizzie selected Rosalina. She absolutely adored her hair and pretty dress.

Alice barely knew how to play, so Lizzie had to guide her along, teaching her the controls. At first, Alice kept falling off the racetrack, but she didn’t give up. By the third race, Alice was beginning to hold her own, managing to place into the top half.

The rest of the competition was fierce, with the twins and her competing closely for the medal positions. The focus made Lizzie thirsty, and she soon found herself popping open a second can of Fanta, this time, the grape flavor.

“Looks like you’re all having fun.” Lizzie paused the game, turning around to see her mom and aunt Mira walk down the stairs. “You all can play for a while longer, but you three,” Mira pointed at her three kids, “need to get ready for bed first.”

The three grumbled, but they got up and headed to their rooms to change, Mira leading Alice by the hand. Lizzie checked the clock, it was only eight.

“You too, Lizzie,” Jennifer said.

“But mom—” Lizzie’s usual bed time wasn’t until nine thirty.

“No buts. You can still play after you change.”

Lizzie grumbled, but couldn’t think of a good excuse so she shuffled upstairs. Back in her room, aunt Mira was helping Alice into a sleeper. She pulled the zip up, but not before Lizzie caught a glimpse of the diaper Alice was wearing underneath.

“Lizzie, do you like my new pajamas?” Alice asked, showing off her Frozen-themed footed sleeper. Snowflakes decorated the arms and legs, surrounding a portrait of Elsa in the middle. Her puffy diaper was evident underneath, but Alice didn’t seem to mind.

“Wow, you look so cute!” Lizzie ran her hands across the soft fabric.

After waiting for Alice to exit the room, Lizzie went to her suitcase and pulled out a set of pajamas, toiletries, and a Goodnite. Waiting until the hallway was clear, she snuck them into the nearest bathroom.

After quickly brushing her teeth, Lizzie began slipping into her pajamas. It was a two-piece set, the long-sleeved top was a light blue, covered with large white flowers. Lizzie enjoyed pulling the soft fleece over her skin. The Goodnite was pulled up next, and her pajama pants soon followed. Lizzie did a quick spin in the mirror, making sure that her Goodnite wasn’t noticeable from the outside. The last thing she needed was for her cousins to find out about her secret.

The others were already waiting as Lizzie returned to the basement. “Alice and Calvin wanted to play Just Dance, is that okay?” Noah asked.

“Fine by me.” The kids booted up the game, and soon, the four were dancing like pop stars. They played song after song, each one more energetic than the last.

“I’ll sit out for a bit.” Lizzie plopped onto floor, panting slightly. Noah decided to sit out as well. The two watched as Alice and Calvin began a head-to-head dance off. The song started slow, the pace accelerated as the song progressed. Calvin was not going easy on his little sister, and began to make wilder movements.

“Woah, be careful, Calvin,” Lizzie warned as a swinging arm came a bit close for comfort.

“It’s fine,” Calvin said, continuing to exaggerate his motions. Lizzie just shook her head and pulled out her phone.

“Oof!” Calvin exclaimed as he slipped, crashing onto the ground right beside Lizzie.

“Calvin!” Lizzie cried, jumping up. She picked up what had been her half-finished soda, its contents all over her and the carpet.

“Mommy!” Alice yelled as she sprinted up the stairs. Calvin and Noah just stood, staring.

“Well don’t just stand there, go get me some paper towels!” Lizzie said to the two stunned twins. Eventually, Noah got up and turned to leave. Calvin did the same, muttering sorry before sprinting to the bathroom.

The two returned just as Alice led Mira, Katherine, and Jennifer down the stairs. Katherine already had a bottle of cleaner and roll of Bounty in her hands. The moms quickly accessed the situation and began cleaning up the mess. Jennifer helped Lizzie as the other moms began using the cleaner on the stained carpet.

When they finished, the kids began explaining what had happened. Lizzie stood there, shifting around. Despite drying the outside with towels, the sticky soda caused her pajamas to cling uncomfortably to her skin.

“I’m sorry, Lizzie,” Calvin finally said as they concluded the story.

“It’s okay,” Lizzie said, tapping her foot slightly.

“And what do you want to say to aunt Katherine and aunt Jennifer?” Mira asked.

“I’m sorry about the carpet aunt Katherine, and thank you for helping us clean up,” Calvin said with his head down.

“That’s alright, accidents happen. Thankfully no one got hurt,” Katherine said. Lizzie nodded, turning to leave.

“Lizzie, don’t you have something to say as well?” her mom stopped her.

“What did I do?” Lizzie asked, shocked.

“You know what your dad and I have said about leaving open drinks on the floor.”

“But it would have been fine if Calvin wasn’t dancing like some stupid monkey.” Lizzie immediately regretted her choice of words.

“Elizabeth Grace Cooper!” Jennifer said, “That is no way to speak to your cousin. Yes, Calvin should have been more careful, but you are three years older than him. When you are in eldest in the room you should be acting like an adult, watching over them. But instead you acted their age, drinking sodas late at night, leaving half-empty cans sprawled all over the room, and calling people names. You always tell your dad and I about how you want to be treated like a grownup, but how do you expect us to do so with confidence if you can’t even take care of your cousins for a few hours?”

Lizzie stood there, staring down at her feet as her mom chewed her out. Lizzie felt her face burn as the others stared at her. It was so unfair. She hadn’t been the one to knock over the soda, yet she was getting punished harder than Calvin. “I’m sorry,” she muttered when her mom finally finished, fighting back the tears beginning to form in her eyes.

With her mom staring at her expectingly, she continued, “I’m sorry aunt Katherine for the carpet, I’ll be more responsible next time. I’m sorry Calvin, I shouldn’t have called you names.” Lizzie struggled to get the words out, it taking all of her willpower to hold back her emotions.

“That’s alright sweetie. Everyone makes mistakes, and you’re already a very responsible young lady.” Aunt Katherine gave Lizzie a hug, careful to avoid the wet patches. “Now hurry along and go get changed.”

“And be ready for bed. I’ll go up to check on you in fifteen minutes,” Jennifer added. It was still well before her bedtime, but Lizzie bit her lip. Anything she said now would only worsen her situation. So instead, Lizzie simply nodded and went upstairs, wiping her eyes once they were out of sight.

Back in her room, Lizzie locked the door and stripped out her top. The once white flowers were now tainted purple. As she took off her pants, Lizzie confirmed her suspicions. The soda had reached her Goodnite. It wasn’t drenched, but it was too sticky and wet to continue wearing. She stripped out of them as well, tossing them into a ziplock bag.

Then, she hopped onto the bed. Lizzie screamed into the pillow, punching it with all her might. Why was always she so unfair and mean? Why had she embarrassed her in front of everyone? Why didn’t she care about her feelings? Lizzie let all of her frustrations out before collapsing. She clutched her blanket tight around her body, tears freely flowing from her face as she laid there.

Eventually, her tears slowed, and Lizzie wiped her eyes. She pulled out her only other pair of pajamas, these were again a matching two-piece set. They were red with various black cats decorating the surface. She wrapped a fresh Goodnite in these, and herself in a towel, before rushing across the hallway and into the bathroom.

A quick shower later and Lizzie was feeling a little better. She was in the middle of drying her hair when there was a knock on the door before grandma Maggie stepped in.

“Hey Lizzie, I heard what happened, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, I guess.”

“I heard your mom gave you quite the scolding.” Lizzie nodded, feeling her tears beginning to creep back.

“Lizzie, you know your mom loves and cares about you, right? She is only strict with you because she thinks you are mature enough to harbor those responsibilities.”

“She doesn’t think I’m mature. If she did then she wouldn’t chew me out in front of all my cousins,” Lizzie said with a pout.

“She only acts that way in front of you. She’s more proud of you than you think. During dinner, we heard what happened earlier today with Lucas. You should have seen how she beamed as she spoke about you. She only acts strict with you because she has high expectations for you. She’s only had high expectations for herself and those she believes in. That means she believes in you. She might not express it well, but your mom loves you, Lizzie.

“And,” grandma leaned in and whispered, “just between us, the other children could learn a lot from you. Especially that Charlotte.” She shook her head, causing Lizzie to giggle. “I’m glad they have you as a role model. So promise me you’ll keep being you, okay?” Lizzie nodded, her confidence somewhat restored.

Grandma patted Lizzie on the head. “Here, give me your dirty pajamas, I’ll get the stains out and put them in tomorrow’s wash.”

“Thanks grandma,” Lizzie said, folding the pajamas before handing them over.

“Don’t mention it,” she said as she stepped out.

Back in her room, Lizzie quickly got ready for bed. Aunt Mira was tucking Alice in.

“Now, Alice, you’re going to sleep like a big girl tonight. We have a full day of activities tomorrow, so you two need to get enough rest. You won’t disturb Lizzie, right?”

“Yes mommy!” Alice said as Mira gave her a quick kiss and left the room.

True to her word, Jennifer showed up a few minutes later as Lizzie was tucking herself in. “Good, looks like you’re ready for bed. Don’t let me catch you playing on your phone or keeping Alice here awake all night, okay?”

“Yes mom,” Lizzie said, hiding her face under the covers. Her mom stood by the doorway for a moment, as if contemplating something. “Anything else, mom?” Lizzie asked.

Jennifer shook her head, “good night,” she said, turning off the lights before leaving.

A few moments later, there was a knock on their bedroom door. Philip stepped in.

“Hey sweetheart, all ready for bed I see. Looks like Alice here is ready for bed too.” Lizzie covered the lower half of her face as her dad gave her a kiss on the forehead.

“Dad, you don’t have to do this every night,” Lizzie complained, eying Alice.

“Of course I do. And I’ll do it every night as long as you let me. You’ll always be my little angel.”

“I love you too, dad,” she said with an annoyed tone, but secretly smiled as she turned her back to the door.

“Good night and sweet dreams girls,” he said, and left.

“Your daddy is so nice,” Alice commented. It seemed like she didn’t see anything wrong with the exchange. “My daddy is usually too busy, but mommy will sometimes come kiss me good night. I wish my daddy was more like our daddy, Lizzie is so lucky.”

“I guess I am.” The statement sat in her mind for a bit. She had never really thought about it that way.

“Anyways, good night, Lizzie,” Alice said with a yawn.

“Good night, Alice.” Lizzie however, had no intentions of sleeping so early, and began browsing on her phone. It was well before her usual bedtime, but, lying on the bed, the exhaustion from her long day soon began taking hold. Within a few minutes, she found her eyelids beginning to drop, and before she knew it, Lizzie drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

***

“Now remember to shoulder check before merging onto the highway,” her dad said, as he watched from the passenger seat. Lizzie was learning to drive, and today was the first time she was going onto the freeway.

The lesson had been going along well, but as Lizzie merged, she noticed some commotion in her rear-view mirror. In the distance, there was a dust cloud that seemed to be inching closer. All too quickly, Lizzie noticed the sky beginning to darken as out of the dust cloud, Bowser and his minions suddenly appeared.

Lizzie shrieked as a green shell ran by her, crashing into the car on her left, causing it to explode.

“Dad!” she yelled. But her dad was no longer beside her, instead, she found Rosalina sitting in his place.

“Go!” Was all she said, and Lizzie didn’t need to be told twice. She floored the gas, sneaking under as the truck in front flipped over their heads.

Lizzie veered off the highway and onto a side street, carefully avoiding the bananas on the floor. The street they were on suddenly merged onto Rainbow Road. Lizzie struggled to control the car on the sharp turns. To her rear, Bowser’s kart was getting closer. In her fright, Lizzie didn’t notice a bump on the road. She jerked the wheel, but it was too late. Their car flipped out of control, sending them veering over the edge. Lizzie screamed, shutting her eyes as they fell toward the deep abyss.

***

Lizzie jerked awake with a shock, her eyes fluttering open. She was no longer on Rainbow Road, instead, she was back in her bedroom. Alice was gently breathing on the floor beside her. Lizzie took deep breaths, calming down her racing heart as she came to the slow realization that it had all been a dream. Rubbing her eyelids, she realized it was still dark outside. Her phone read 5:17am. It was all because she made me sleep early.

She closed her eyes, trying to fall back asleep. But as she rolled onto her back, she felt something cold press against her butt. Lizzie jerked up, sticking a hand through her pants. Her Goodnite was soaked. Worse yet, her pajama pants were wet as well.

She had leaked. Lizzie leapt up, feeling around the bed for the damage.

“Lizzie, are you okay?” The tired voice startled Lizzie.

“Don’t worry Alice, everything is okay, Lizzie just wants to pee. Go back to sleep now.”

Thankfully, Alice didn’t question her and laid back down. Within a few minutes, her breathing slowed. Lizzie felt around quietly, there was no damage to the blanket, but there was a tiny wet patch on the bedsheet. It was barely the size of her palm, but Lizzie knew better than to leave it. She cursed herself, it had been months since she had last leaked. It must have been all the sodas.

Lizzie quietly changed to shirt and pants, before tearing off the sheets, careful not to wake Alice. She needed to get rid of the evidence. Lizzie tiptoed downstairs to the basement, using her phone’s flash to light the way. She remembered a washing machine across from the bathroom there. Lizzie first rinsed the wet spots under some water in the bathroom, before tossing the blankets into the wash. She found some laundry detergent, and followed the instructions on the bottle to pour some in. She shut the door and was about to start the cycle but she hesitated. There were people sleeping downstairs, and Lizzie couldn’t risk waking them up. She’d have to turn it on tomorrow before they left.

Satisfied, Lizzie snuck back into her room. She managed to find some extra sheets in the closet, and fitted those onto the mattress. Finally, Lizzie got ready to change for bed. She put on a fresh Goodnite for the third time that day, and searched her luggage for her pajamas.

To her dismay, she recalled how she had only packed two. Cursing at the fact that her mom had been right, Lizzie put her shirt and pants back on before climbing onto the bed.

The entire ordeal had taken over half an hour, and the exhausted Lizzie crawled under the covers, hoping to finally get back to sleep. However, she soon found herself tossing and turning on the bed. Something felt off.

Lizzie realized she couldn’t even remember the last time she’d slept without pajamas. And while her shirt wasn’t uncomfortable, it just felt… weird. She tried taking them off and sleeping naked, but the feeling of her blanket and bed on her bare skin felt even worse.

Suddenly, Lizzie remembered the pajamas she had borrowed that morning. She found them haphazardly discarded on the floor. With no other options, Lizzie changed into the sleeper, pulling the zip as far up her back as she could, while confirming that she could still reach the pull.

This left a small gap between her shoulder blades, but the warm sleeper was far more comforting than her other options. The soft touch was soothing, and with a smile, Lizzie soon found herself drifting back off to a peaceful sleep.