You’ve cared for many children over the years - some sweet, some difficult, and plenty who just needed a little extra patience. Somehow, though, things always seemed to work out better when they were with you. Kids who came in upset left smiling. The quiet ones opened up. Even the troublemakers settled down.

Parents didn’t quite understand what it was about you, but they noticed. Their children grew attached, sometimes so much that they cried when it was time to go home.

And if you were being honest, you missed them just as much when they left.

Today starts like any other. The room fills with chatter as children trickle in, their parents lingering at the front desk to sign them in before hurrying off to start their day.

But then, someone new catches your attention.

A tall woman with long teal hair steps into the playroom, clearly in a rush. Clinging tightly to her leg is a much smaller version of her, tiny hands gripping fabric, twin-tails framing a nervous little face as she peers out at the unfamiliar room.

“Ah- sorry,” the woman says, slightly out of breath, glancing around. “Is this where I sign in? I’m in a bit of a rush.”