Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33104 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33104 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
Dr. Morgan smiles at me. “I know, sweetie.” He shrugs. “She may never fully let go of the fear. That’s okay too. Take your cues from her. As long as she doesn’t have a panic attack when you’re in her sight, she’ll be fine. A certain amount of separation anxiety is healthy. It means she won’t stray from you and make you worry. I’ll be more concerned if she starts panicking simply because it’s time to leave the house. That’s another problem altogether. We don’t want it to escalate into agoraphobia.”
Daddy nods. “That hasn’t happened. She doesn’t mind going out. She just gets nervous when she thinks I won’t be able to see her.”
The doctor nods. “You should be fine then. I wouldn’t worry too much. Call me if it gets worse. Otherwise, keep her on a short leash.” He winks. “Literally.”
Daddy pulls my shirt back over my head and gives my braids a tug before saying. “Ready to go home, baby girl?”
I nod. I was ready long before these last two topics were discussed. I want to go home and curl up in a ball and think about everything Dr. Morgan said. Not the part about having my bottom plugged, but the part about what happened in my past.
As Daddy drives the golf cart back to the house, I worry he will insist I immediately get to work. It’s a Monday morning after all. But my mind is on other things. I don’t think I could concentrate on my research right now.
When we arrive, he directs me into the house and sits on the couch, reaching for me. “Come here, Little one.”
I’m so relieved I run to him and climb onto his lap.
He holds me close, rocking me gently for several minutes before pulling back and meeting my gaze. “You must be mentally exhausted after that. I feel like you had a huge breakthrough. Did you not remember about getting lost from your dad before today?”
I shake my head. “I don’t think I remembered it. Or I didn’t make the connection. Or I stuffed it into the back of my brain. I don’t know.”
“Well, it explains a lot. When you started regression, your mind went to that age and took on those feelings. I can’t imagine how scared you must have been when you couldn’t find me. I’m so sorry, baby girl.”
I swallow back tears.
He cups my face, making sure I’m looking at him. “I promise I will never let that happen to you again. When we’re on this island, and you’re in a regressed state of mind, I will ensure I always have you in my line of sight. If you’re in your stroller, I’ll keep you buckled and not let go of the stroller for a moment. Anytime it’s possible, we’ll use the harness. When we’re somewhere you need to wander away, like the water park, I won’t take my eyes off you.”
A rush of anxiety claims me at his mention that we would ever not be on Regression Island. Obviously, we have to return to the mainland at the end of the summer, but I’m not looking forward to it. I don’t even want to think about it. In two weeks, I have changed drastically. I had no idea this lifestyle would suit me, but it does. And I’m not sure I want to go back. Staying here instead of getting a job teaching somewhere in the fall isn’t an option of course, but I won’t think about it today.
I shake those thoughts away and nod. “Okay, Daddy.” I know he won’t let anything happen to me. I also know nothing would happen even if he did lose track of me. I’m not four really. I can defend myself and find someone to help me.
“You know Daddy’s cell phone number too, baby girl. If you ever for any reason get lost, find an adult and have them call me, okay?”
“Yes, Sir.” He’s right about that. I don’t have my own cell phone. Daddy didn’t bring it to the island at all. None of the Littles on the island have cell phones. But I can find another Mommy or Daddy and have them call.
He wipes away my tears. “Feel better?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Why don’t you spend some time in your playpen this morning? You need some downtime. I think you should take today off from researching.”
I’m so relieved my shoulders drop as I nod. “Thank you, Daddy.” I glance over at the playpen though and then back at him. My lip trembles as I meet his gaze. “Will you be in your office?”
He hesitates a moment. “Would you rather I work at the kitchen table so you can see me?”
“Yes, Sir.”
He smiles and kisses my forehead. “I can do that, baby girl. I just think you’ll feel better in the enclosed space. I know it calms you when you’re agitated.”