Chapter 6

Madison watched Claire disappear into the trees before she set her pruning sheers down and headed into the house. She had seen their tenant arrive but decided to let Sabrina host her all by herself.

“Sweetheart?” Madison called as she was blasted by the air conditioning.

“In here!”

Madison followed the sound of Sabrina’s voice to find her in the living room with the TV on and a coloring book on the floor in front of her. When she entered the room, Sabrina jumped up and ran over to Madison to hug her.

“How’s our little tenant doing?” Madison asked, hugging Sabrina back.

“She’s doing really good and I really like her!” Sabrina pulled back from the hug and gave Madison a huge grin. “I really want her to be my new little sister.”

“Then that’s exactly what my little girl will get,” Madison replied, kissing Sabrina on the forehead. “You just have to be patient, these things take time, thought not too much more, I promise. Just a few more days, okay? Did you give her the stronger batch of tea?”

“Yes Mommy! I even gave her a few glasses while she was here!”

“Good girl,” Madison said, kissing Sabrina’s forehead again. “And what about you? How are you doing?”

“I’m good Mommy! Just watching TV and coloring.”

“Mmhmm, that’s not quite what I meant sweetheart,” Madison said drily as she lifted the front of Sabrina’s sundress up, producing a whine and a blush from the girl and exposing a bright pink pull-up. Madison could tell it was soaked just by looking at it, but she checked with her hand anyway, pressing the sodden garment against Sabrina’s skin, just to drive home the humiliation. “You’re soaked,” she declared simply.

“I’m sorry,” Sabrina mumbled, “I had too much tea and was too busy talking to Claire and forgot to go.”

“Mmhmm,” Madison repeated, “maybe you need to be put back in diapers for the day. Maybe that will help you remember to use the potty from now on.”

“Yes Mommy,” Sabrina muttered again, her head hanging down in shame.