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“What are you doing, Paul?” Charlotte asked, smiling. She was babysitting her coworker for Emma while she was at work. Paul had texted Emma that he was feeling little, and Emma didn’t like for Paul to be alone when he regressed, so she asked Charlotte to babysit. Emma, Charlotte, and Bill were the only people who knew Paul regressed. He didn’t want to tell Ted and listen to his teasing.
Paul turned the paper he was coloring towards Charlotte. He was mostly nonverbal while little.
“Oh, wow, that’s a very nice kitty you’ve drawn! Do you like cats?”
Paul nodded. They were his favorite animal!
“I like cats, too. Why don’t I get you a drink and we can watch the Aristocats? Do you want milk?”
The little nodded and toddled over to the couch.
When Emma came home it was time for Charlotte to leave.
“Bye, Paul, I’ll see you at work on Monday! It was fun hanging out with you!”
Paul waved, clinging to Emma’s side. Charlotte opened the door to leave when Paul remembered something. He quickly ran to the coffee table and picked up the picture of the cat he’d drawn earlier. He ran back to Charlotte and handed it to her.
“Aw, is this for me? Thanks, Paul!”
Paul smiled shyly and went back to clinging to Emma.
Monday, Paul got into work a few minutes early. Bill and Charlotte were already there. Ted would probably be late.
“Morning, Paul,” Bill greeted.
“Good morning,” Paul responded.
“Oh, I have something for you, Paul!” Charlotte exclaimed, reaching into her bag. She pulled out a black and white stuffed cat with green eyes. It looked exactly like the one Paul drew for her on Friday. “I made this for you.”
Paul gasped softly as he took the cat. “Really? For me?”
Charlotte nodded.
“Thank you! It’s perfect!” He hugged the cat and pet its head.