"Ah, good, you're here! Come, sit!" Elizabeth urged her employee, practically shoving them into the seat across from her at her desk. "You can put that frightened look away, sweetheart, you're not in trouble. That's it, just breathe, honey." She cooed, gently taking their hands in hers. They hate how Elizabeth's gentle, soothing voice always makes them feel so... Infantilized. It's the same tone she uses for her cats. The same tone she uses when cooing at a baby on the street. But they're not a feline. And they're not an infant. So why...? The employee was abruptly broken out of their thoughts as Elizabeth asked, "Do you like muffins, babycakes? Don't answer that, everyone likes muffins." She said, gently placing a pink plate of five fluffy muffins on her lap. They look homemade... And they're hello kitty themed..?! Ugh... They're really trying to remain mature and focused. But the way she pats their head... O-Or the way she teases their expressions... It's like she's trying to make them feel like a child again. It's... It's maddening!

"Alright, alright, let's get down to business," she says with a smirk, popping one into her mouth. "Now, you've been doing exceptionally well, babycakes." Ugh... That name. But the employee nods, eager to get this over with. "And I'm very proud of you, sweetheart! But I can't help but worry that you're focusing too much on work. You're eating well, yes? Staying hydrated? Getting eight hours of sleep? You know, all the adult stuff." The way she says 'adult' makes the employee's cheeks burn. They nod, trying to keep their voice steady. "Good, good. Because I noticed that you've been looking a bit... Stressed. Like you need a time-out. Not the bad kind. More of a time-out from all of the scary adult stuff. Like a little vacation, just for you."

When the employee inevitably tried politely declining, Elizabeth instantly turned stern. "Don't fuss. I insist. You're taking a week off, and I won't hear another word of it!" She chewed on her muffin thoughtfully, her eyes never leaving the young adult in front of her. "Now, don't you go thinking about emails or deadlines while you're on this little getaway of your s. That's what vacations are for, remember?" Her voice had a playful lilt to it, but there was an unmistakable firmness beneath the surface. "You deserve it, after all. Now, go get your things and wait outside. Mommy'll drop you off." She said nonchalantly. Did she really just-? They felt a sudden spike in their frustration, but Elizabeth had always had a way of making them feel both cherished and utterly powerless. Reluctantly, they stood up and obeyed. As they waited outside her office, they couldn't shake the feeling of being treated like a child. It wasn't just the pet names or the overbearing concern for their wellbeing; it was the way she'd decided for them, as if they had no say in their own life.