Tommy was your average 13-year-old boy. He liked playing sports, being outside, video games, and he had a lot of friends at school. Well, that was at his old school. Even though he was used to moving around from time to time because of his dad’s work, he always managed to fit in wherever he ended up. Yeah, it took him a bit to make friends, but he always did.

His dad, David, worked in business management for a large company in North Carolina. That was the place Tommy had called home for the past six years. Before that, it was Indiana, New York, and before all that, Tommy was born in Kansas City.

Tommy was having a great 8th-grade school year. He had made the basketball team and was doing really well. The team was 6-2 into the season, and he was having so much fun.

Unfortunately, David was not enjoying his life in North Carolina. His career was going nowhere, and even though he loved his family, he wanted something different—something more permanent that would make him happy while still providing for his family. Without asking his wife, David started searching online for jobs. He applied for many positions, but weeks went by without a single response.

Then, one day, a message sat waiting in David’s inbox.

Subject: Exciting Opportunity – CEO Position at ElvenHug

Greetings, David,

ElvenHug was founded by a husband-and-wife duo, Marcus and Evelyn Thornwood, who wanted to bring a touch of magic to everyday baby care. Inspired by their love of fantasy literature and their own experiences as parents, they envisioned a diaper brand that combined softness, comfort, and whimsical charm.

The company’s motto, “Gentle as an Elven Embrace,” reflects its commitment to creating ultra-soft, eco-friendly diapers that keep babies dry and comfortable, as if wrapped in the warmth of an enchanted forest.

ElvenHug is a small but beloved diaper company nestled in the charming town of Silverbrook, Vermont, home to about 5,000 residents. Known for its blend of fantasy-inspired branding and high-quality baby products, ElvenHug has built a loyal customer base both locally and beyond.

We would love to have you as our next CEO. Please reach out to set up a time to discuss this amazing opportunity.

Best wishes,

Marcus Thornwood

Founder, ElvenHug

David had never heard of this company before, but the opportunity seemed like a dream come true. As he reread the email, he noticed something else—ElvenHug was offering a fully furnished house for his family to move into.

David sat down and wrote a response to Marcus, inquiring about the job. At this point, it couldn’t hurt to check it out.

A short time later, David received another email from Marcus.

“Thank you for reaching out. We feel this opportunity will be perfect for you and your family. The position is yours—all you need to do is say yes.”

David was confused. How could this be so easy? He replied, asking when he would need to start.

“We would love for you to start as soon as possible, but you must be here by January 1st. All you need to bring are your clothes and personal items. Everything else will be taken care of.”

As the deadline approached, Marcus sent more instructions.

“As the time gets closer, we will send you directions to your house and workplace. We are out in the middle of nowhere, and cell phones don’t work around here.”

David wasn’t sure how he was going to break the news to his wife and Tommy. It was late, so he decided to wait until morning.

At breakfast the next day, David interrupted the usual morning chatter.

“I have something to tell you both,” he said. “I got an amazing job offer last night.”

“I’m so happy for you, honey,” Rachel said with a smile.

“Well, here’s the bad news,” David continued. “We have to move.”

“What?!” Tommy exclaimed. “We have to move?!”

“Yes, but this is going to be an amazing opportunity for the whole family.”

“Where?” Tommy demanded.

“Silverbrook, Vermont.”

“Where the heck is that?”

“It’s in Vermont,” David said simply.

“But what about my friends? My basketball team? My life here?”

“Well, Tommy,” David said, “you’ve started over before, and you can do it again.”

Tommy was upset, but his mom tried to comfort him.

“Why don’t you look up Silverbrook, Vermont?” she suggested. “It’ll be a great way to learn about your new home and all the fun things you have to look forward to.”

Tommy reluctantly took her advice. He went to Google and searched for Silverbrook, Vermont.

Only two results popped up—one from the local city page and another from ElvenHug Diaper Company.

“That’s weird,” Tommy thought. They say all these people live here, but why isn’t there anything else online?

As he browsed the city page, he noticed something even stranger—there were no pictures of people.

Curious, Tommy switched to Google Maps and typed in Silverbrook, Vermont.

No results found.

His stomach tightened. How could we be moving to a town that isn’t even on the map?

As the month passed, they sold almost everything they owned including the house. Staying as long as they could so Tommy was able to see his friends as much as possible before winter break.

They had the car loaded up and planned to get on the road first day of Winter break.

The drive was long—14 hours, according to David.

Tommy dreaded leaving his friends behind, but at least he could still text them. Maybe I can visit them this summer, he thought.

The family made stops for gas, food, and bathroom breaks. At one point, David joked, “Tommy, if we have to stop this many times, I might as well put you in a diaper for road trips!”

Tommy did not find it funny.

By evening, they arrived in New Haven, Connecticut, for the night. After grabbing pizza, they settled into a hotel, sore from the long car ride.

The next morning, they set out early. Snow had started falling, and as they followed Marcus’s printed directions, the roads became more remote.

Then, their cell signals disappeared.

“That happens when you leave the big city,” David reassured them.

Following the directions carefully, they made turn after turn. With each mile, the roads became emptier—no cars, no people, just endless trees.

Tommy’s stomach churned. Are we lost?

“We’re almost there,” Rachel said. “Just four more turns.”

Then, the trees thinned, and ahead of them stood an ornately carved wooden sign:

“Welcome to Silverbrook – A Town Like No Other.”

As they passed the sign, the heavy snowfall suddenly lightened into a gentle dusting. The sky cleared.

And ahead of them, the town looked like something out of a fairytale.

Charming stone buildings lined the streets. Warm lights glowed from the windows. People walked about in cozy coats and scarves, looking… strangely youthful.

A man stepped out of the town hall, his sleek green coat shimmering slightly under the light.

“Welcome, David! And this must be Rachel and young Tommy,” he said smoothly. “I’m Todd Hamburger, the Mayor of Silverbrook. It’s wonderful to finally meet you.”

Tommy had no idea just how strange his new home was about to become.

David shook Todd’s hand. “It’s great to be here. The drive was long, but we’re excited for this new chapter.”

Todd’s smile didn’t waver. “I promise, Silverbrook will feel like home in no time.”

The family listened as Todd continued, “You are all so welcome here, and we’re excited to have you in our charming town. You’ll find that things are a bit different from where you came from, but in time, you’ll fit right in.”

Tommy frowned. “What about our cell phones? Why aren’t they working?”

Todd chuckled softly. “Oh, we don’t use those here. Too much of a distraction from the beauty of our town. We like to keep things simple, you see.”

Tommy’s heart sank. “But how am I supposed to talk to my friends back in North Carolina?”

“Don’t worry,” his mom reassured him. “You’ll make great friends here too.”

Todd gestured toward their car. “Why don’t you hop in and follow me to your new home?”

As the Whitmore family followed Todd through the winding streets of Silverbrook, Tommy couldn’t help but notice how pristine and picturesque everything looked. The town felt like it had been lifted straight from the pages of a fantasy novel—cobblestone streets, old-fashioned streetlamps glowing softly despite the daylight, and buildings that looked both ancient and impossibly well-maintained.

There was something unsettling about how perfect it all was.

After a few more turns, they arrived at their new home.

The house stood at the end of a quiet, tree-lined road, nestled between towering evergreens and frosted maple trees. It was nothing like the modern suburban home Tommy had left behind. Instead, it was a grand, Victorian-style house with deep green siding, white trim, and ornate carvings along the eaves. A turret on one side gave it an almost castle-like appearance, while the large wraparound porch invited them in with its wooden rocking chairs and a cozy swing.

“This… is our house?” Tommy asked, staring up in awe.

Rachel gasped. “It’s beautiful.”

Todd smiled warmly. “Yes, it’s fully furnished and prepared for you. A home worthy of the new CEO.”

David nodded in approval as he stepped out of the car. “This is incredible.”

The front door was made of dark oak, with an intricate stained-glass window in the center depicting a forest with twinkling lights hidden among the trees. Todd handed David an old-fashioned key instead of a modern keycard or fob.

“Go on,” Todd encouraged. “Step inside.”

David turned the key, and the door opened with a soft creak. The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior.

The entryway featured a high, vaulted ceiling with exposed wooden beams, and the floors were made of polished dark hardwood. A grand staircase curved elegantly to the second floor, its banister decorated with delicate carvings of vines and leaves.

To the left was a spacious living room with a large stone fireplace, already lit, casting a warm glow across the room. Plush armchairs and an inviting sofa were arranged around a soft, fur-lined rug. Shelves built into the walls were lined with old books, trinkets, and what looked like small hand-carved figurines of woodland creatures.

The kitchen was a blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. Dark wooden cabinets contrasted with gleaming marble countertops, and a massive farmhouse sink sat beneath a window overlooking the snow-covered backyard. Copper pots and pans hung from a rack above a large, cast-iron stove.

Tommy wandered further in, feeling both amazed and unsettled. The house smelled of pine, vanilla, and something faintly floral—almost like a meadow after fresh rain. There was something too perfect about it, as if it had been designed just for them.

As he climbed the stairs to find his room, he noticed the paintings along the walls. They weren’t of landscapes or still-life fruit bowls like he was used to seeing in hotels. These paintings depicted Silverbrook—its streets, its buildings.

His room was at the end of the hall, and when he pushed the door open, he was stunned. It had a plush, oversized bed with blankets in his favorite colors.

From downstairs, his mother called, “Tommy, come help unpack!”

Shaking off his unease, he stepped back into the hall.

That’s when he saw it.

Another door.

One he hadn’t noticed before.

Slowly, he reached for the handle and pushed it open.

Inside was a nursery.

Not just any nursery—a fully furnished, perfectly decorated baby’s room.

Soft pastel-colored walls with hand-painted murals of enchanted forests surrounded the space. A large white crib with plush bedding sat against the far wall, its mobile gently spinning with tiny stuffed elves and stars. A changing table was neatly stocked with stacks of thick, puffy diapers, baby wipes, and powders, all organized in pristine condition. A cozy rocking chair was positioned next to a bookshelf filled with classic children's stories.

The room even had a faint, powdery scent—like baby lotion and fresh linens.

“Uh… Mom? Dad?” Tommy called out hesitantly.

His parents quickly made their way upstairs.

“Oh my God,” Rachel gasped as she entered. “Why… why is there a nursery?”

David furrowed his brow. “I… I didn’t ask for this. Marcus never mentioned anything about a baby’s room.”

Just then, a familiar voice came from behind them.

“Oh, every house has a nursery here,” Todd said smoothly, standing in the doorway with his usual composed smile.

Rachel turned to him, confused. “Every house? But why? We don’t have a baby.”

David exchanged a glance with Rachel. “Yeah, we don’t have any plans on having a baby anytime soon. This room won’t be used.”

Todd chuckled softly. “It’s just the way things are in Silverbrook. A nursery is an essential part of every home. You never know when it might come in handy.”

Something about the way he said it made Tommy’s stomach twist.

Todd clapped his hands together. “Well, I’ll leave you to get settled in. You’ll meet all the great neighbors in due time, I’m sure. They’re very eager to learn about you.”

He paused, then added, “Next door lives Eleanor Wren. She comes from one of the oldest families still living here. This town was founded in the early 1600s, and Eleanor knows everything there is to know about it.”

David nodded. “Sounds like someone I’ll want to meet.”

Todd smiled. “Oh, absolutely. She’ll be thrilled to meet you as well.”

Rachel forced a polite smile. “Well, thank you, Todd. We appreciate all the help.”

Todd checked his watch. “David, I’ll take you to your office tomorrow morning. Be outside and ready by 9 a.m.”

“That sounds great,” David said.

“Once again, welcome home,” Todd said before leaving.

As the Whitmores watched him walk away, Rachel whispered, “That guy gives me the creeps.”

David sighed. “I don’t know, Rach. Maybe this is just how things are here.”

Tommy wasn’t so sure.

That night, the Whitmores tried to settle in.

After unpacking a few essentials, Rachel and David curled up on the couch near the fireplace, exhausted from the long drive. Tommy sat on the floor, absently scrolling through his phone, hoping—praying—that maybe, just maybe, his signal would return.

Nothing.

His Wi-Fi settings showed no available networks. No bars, no data. It was as if Silverbrook didn’t exist in the outside world.

Tommy sighed and tossed his phone onto the couch. “This sucks.”

Rachel glanced at him. “I know it’s a big adjustment, sweetie, but you’ll be fine. Give it a chance.”

Tommy just folded his arms and stared into the fire.

David, meanwhile, had grabbed a small notepad from the coffee table and was making a list.

“What are you doing?” Rachel asked.

“Figuring out what we need,” David said. “Todd said the house was fully furnished, and it is, but there are little things missing. I mean, the kitchen has groceries, but we are going to need to get more.

“I guess we’ll check out the town tomorrow,” David said.

That night, Tommy lay awake in his bed, unable to shake the uneasiness in his gut. The house was too quiet.

No hum of distant traffic. No crickets chirping. No occasional dog barking in the distance. Just… silence.

Then, as he rolled over, something caught his eye.

The window.

Beyond it, just past the fence line of their backyard, was the neighbor’s yard. There sitting on the porch was a lady rocking back and forth, looking at Tommy’s room.

Tommy’s breath hitched.

At first, he thought he was seeing things, But then he saw it again. A figure.

A person.

Tommy scrambled out of bed and bolted for his door. He ran down the hall and straight into his parents’ room.

“Mom! Dad!” he hissed, shaking them awake.

Rachel groaned. “Tommy, what is it?”

“There’s—” He glanced back down the hall toward his bedroom, then shook his head. “There’s someone outside.”

David sat up, rubbing his face. “What?”

“Sitting on the porch watching my room,” Tommy said urgently. “There was somebody standing there, watching the house.”

David sighed and got up. “It’s probably just a deer or something. Come on, let’s check it out.”

Tommy followed him nervously back to his room.

David pulled open the curtain and looked out.

Nothing.

The trees swayed gently, but the figure was gone.

“See?” David said. “It was probably just your imagination. It’s a new place, you’re not used to it yet.”

“I saw someone,” Tommy insisted.

“Well, there’s no one there now.” David patted his shoulder. “Try to get some sleep, bud. We’ve got a big day tomorrow.”

Tommy sighed but didn’t argue.

David ruffled his hair and left the room.

Tommy climbed back into bed, but he kept his eyes on the window. He didn’t know how, but he knew someone had been there.

The next morning, as David headed off to work, the rest of the family headed into town. They had a map of the city, and everything is within walking distance. As Tommy studied the map, there was no police department and he found that strange.

Silverbrook was even more picturesque in the daylight. The cobblestone streets were clean and well-kept, with charming little shops lining the main road. A bakery with fresh bread steaming in the window. A tailor shop with mannequins dressed in old-fashioned coats and dresses. A general store with wooden barrels of fruit out front.

We walked into these stores and looked around. Not a single brand product I’ve seen before, and mom asked the shopkeeper why is that? Well hello Rachel, we are excited about you and the family being here. Everything sold in town is made right here in Silverbrook. We care about it being fresh. You have a shopping list today he asked? I do as she handed it to him. We can take care of this as usual, we will even have our delivery boy take these right to your house for you as you keep walking around. Wow that is so nice of you.

Everyone we walked past said hello and introduced themselves along with their babies that they were pushing along. It was something I’ve never seen before.

Not quite like being in the city is it asked Rachel! No not at all they laughed.

But something was… off.

“Do you notice anything weird?” Tommy muttered to his mom as they walked.

Rachel gave him a warning look. “Tommy, stop.”

“No, seriously, look around why is there so many baby stores everywhere I look?”

Rachel sighed and glanced around.

And then she saw it too.

Every other shop was a baby inspired store.

Wow they really do take care of the babies around here, plus apparently everyone has a baby as we are seeing on the walk Rachel said.

I don’t think they get many outsiders here either.

Tommy nudged his mom. “Those kids over there—how old do you think they are?”

Rachel turned her head slightly.

A group of kids sat on the steps of a bookstore, chatting and laughing. But something was wrong. They were dressed just like Tommy—jeans, sneakers, hoodies but everything has a babyish look to it. —even their faces…

Their skin was too smooth. Their eyes were too bright.

And then, as if sensing they were being watched, the children all turned at the same time to look at Tommy.

He swallowed hard.

Tommy waved back at the kids as to be nice and say hello! But they turned around and kept to themselves.

Well we need to get you registered for school! Can you grab the map and find out where the school is located? I pulled out the map and it was just a couple of blocks over. Lets walk over she said. As we walked down the street. I could not help but notice how many nurseries and daycare centers there was here as well.

As we got to the school. Mom walked me in the front door. It was one of the smallest schools I’ve ever seen. Excuse me mom said. I am here to sign up Tommy as the new student. Oh, Alison, we have everything covered, we are just on winter break. Just remember that Tommy needs to be here at 8:30 am each morning.

Rachel grabbed his hand and pulled him along. “Let’s just find your dad.”

They met up with David outside ElvenHug, which looked more like an enchanted castle than a corporate office.

David was smiling. “This place is incredible. You should see inside—everything is made from sustainable materials. It’s all handcrafted, no mass production.”

Rachel was only half-listening. “That’s great, hon. I am so excited for you.

Just then, Todd appeared beside them, smiling as always. How is our favorite CEO of ElevnHug doing today?

David beamed. “Fantastic. The family has been enjoying their time here already!

I was hoping to say thank you to Marcus and Evelyn for giving me this opportunity! Asked David!

Todd asked, “Who is Marcus and Evelyn? Aren’t they the former CEO’s? No honey Rachel said. They worked for another company. You have always been the CEO of ElevnHug. David scratched his head and said he must have forgotten!

“I knew you’d love it,” Todd said. He turned to Tommy. “And how about you, young man? Settling in?”

Tommy hesitated, but before he could answer, Todd’s expression changed ever so slightly.

“Don’t worry,” Todd said, voice smooth as velvet. “You’ll feel right at home soon enough.”

Tommy shivered.

Because the way Todd said it…

It didn’t sound like a promise.

It sounded like a threat.

As Todd left, David started heading back to his office. Tommy asked his mom, “What are you talking about? We just moved here yesterday! What are you talking about silly? We have lived here for months! Oh, this is getting weird.

Tommy could not figure out this uneasy feeling he had in his stomach. As David went back to work, Rachel took Tommy back outside and they headed back home. As they approached their house, the neighbor next door, Ms. Eleanor was sitting on the front porch. She seemed much older than the person I saw last night. I would say she was in her mid-50’s, dressed in clothes I’ve never seen before and greeted them. Hello, how are my favorite neighbors, how are the Whitmore’s doing this wonderful day? We are doing great thanks for asking. Did you enjoy the cookies I gave you last week? They were great and that reminds me to bring your dish back to you. I will send Tommy over shortly with it. That would be lovely dear. Tommy had no idea what was going on, how does my mom remember eating cookies that she never had? I’m confused by this. Something super strange is happening here.

We kept walking home and we went inside the house. Our delivery from the store was already put away. Rachel kept doing what she normally does every day. She handed Tommey the plate and can you take this back next door for me? We want to be good neighbors. Sure, said Tommy. He was so confused as to what was going on, as Tommy when back over to Eleanor’s. Well welcome back Tommy, she said. I’m sorry my niece gave you a scare last night. We have been waiting for our new neighbors for a while now. Who is your niece? Natalie is her name; she is 20 years old and goes to school during the day so you won’t see her around during the day. On that’s a bummer Tommy said. Don’t worry, I am sure you will get a chance to meet her. Would you like to come into my house, I have more of those cookies you liked so much last time. Is Tommy starting to lose his mind? or blanking out from the stress of the move? How can he forget things like this?

Tommy walked into Elanor’s house with her. You can have a seat on the couch, and I will bring those cookies to you as she smiled at Tommy! As Tommy made his way to the living room, he could not help but notice how much baby stuff she had in the house. It looked like she had a baby around the house but none I could actually see. Tommy decided not to ask about it. He waited until she came back with some cookies and a glass of milk for him. How are things going for you, Tommy, she asked? Things are going okay. I just feel like things are not clear right now in my mind. I know we just moved here yesterday but everyone else is making it seem like we have been here much longer. Oh sweetie! You have been here for months already, I’m not sure why you think you just moved here yesterday! Tommy did his best to eat the cookies as quickly as he could. He wanted to get out of her house as quickly as possible, something about her did not feel quite right. Don’t rush while you are eating sweetie. Take small bites and chew the food properly, with your mouth closed. We don’t want you to get all messy. Maybe your parents did not teach you proper manners. No, they did, said Tommy. Then why are you in such a hurry? I was excited to get out and check out the town some more. Oh well then if that’s the case don’t let me hold you up! Sweetie, take your plate and glass to the kitchen for me. Yes ma’am. As Tommy left Eleanor’s house. He heard her say. “You’re such a precious little child!”

Tommy was happy to get out of that house, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was very off about this town. Before heading home, he decided to walk around on his own.

The town was peaceful, with plenty of people walking the streets. Yet, strangely, every single one of them was pushing a stroller. Another odd detail stood out—everyone looked noticeably younger. The oldest person he saw might have been in their fifties. As he walked, people greeted him warmly, but he couldn’t spot anyone his own age. He was beginning to feel out of place, like he stuck out in some way.

Without a cell phone or internet, he wondered if the library had computers he could use. Remembering its location, he made his way there, passing several small shops and the Town Hall. A street sign pointed toward the library, and he followed the road in that direction.

In the distance, he noticed a park, but the playground equipment was difficult to make out. As he reached the library’s entrance, someone opened the door for him.

"Good afternoon, Tommy. Welcome to your favorite spot," they said.

Tommy hesitated. My favorite spot? He didn’t remember ever being here before.

As he stepped inside, a woman at the front desk greeted him with a warm smile.

"Hello, Tommy! What can I help you with today? Are you here alone for story time?"

"No, I just wanted to check the place out," Tommy replied.

"Oh, okay! Are you looking for anything in particular? How about I give you a tour?"

"Okay," he agreed.

The woman led him through the library. The walls were decorated with bright, childish paintings, and toys were scattered throughout the space. Near the entrance, there was even a designated “stroller parking” area to keep walkways clear.

"Wow, there are a lot of kids here," Tommy observed, watching groups of children playing together.

"Is there another section for adults?" he asked.

"We primarily cater to the children of this town," the woman explained. "Adults have their own books at home, which they read and share with each other."

Tommy’s heart sank. "Oh... I was hoping to learn more about Silverbrook’s history."

"If you want to know about the town’s history, you should talk to your neighbor, Eleanor! She knows all about Silverbrook," the woman suggested cheerfully.

Tommy forced a smile, though inside, he was dreading that idea.

"Thank you," he said. "I think I’ll just look around for now. Maybe I’ll join the kids for story time."

"That would be lovely! I’m sure they’d enjoy having you there," the librarian said before returning to her desk.

Tommy continued wandering through the library. In the back, he spotted a small, dark room with a locked door. The glass window was covered in grime, making it difficult to see inside, but he thought he could make out a couple of computers sitting on desks.

I’ll have to figure out how to get in there—but not today, he thought.

Turning back to the bookshelves, he scanned the titles. Every book seemed to be for children aged nine and younger. Even though these books were meant for little kids, he decided to sit down for story time, hoping to gain some insight into what was going on in this town.

As the storyteller began reading, Tommy noticed how childish the story was. Yet, for some reason, he couldn’t stop listening. The reader’s soft voice was soothing, and his eyes grew heavy. He shifted to a more comfortable position on the floor, curling up as sleep overtook him.

His dream felt incredibly real. Memories of his own childhood flooded his mind. He felt smaller, younger—almost like a toddler. Without realizing it, he started sucking his thumb in his sleep.

A gentle tap on his shoulder stirred him awake.

"Wake up, sweetie," a familiar voice said.

Tommy’s eyes fluttered open, and he found himself looking up at his mother.

"What happened?" he asked groggily.

"Oh, you fell asleep during story time," Rachel said. "When I checked my watch, I realized I had forgotten about it and came right over. You were so precious, sucking your thumb while you slept—I didn’t want to wake you."

Tommy’s stomach twisted. "I was sucking my thumb?"

"Yeah, sweetie, you do it all the time," his mother said casually.

Do I? Tommy thought.

Hadn’t they just moved here yesterday? Or had they been living here for months?

And why couldn’t Tommy remember?

As his mind became more alert, bits and pieces of his memory started coming back. He knew they had only arrived yesterday. But why did everyone else insist they had been here longer?

His mother took his hand and led him out of the library, walking him home. It wasn’t until they were nearly there that he realized he was still holding her hand. He quickly pulled away.

"Honey, why did you do that?" Rachel asked, puzzled. "You always hold my hand when we walk outside."

Tommy’s heart pounded. Something was very wrong with this town.

Tommy didn’t respond to his mother’s comment. He just walked beside her in silence, his mind racing. Why does she think I always hold her hand? He knew for a fact that wasn’t true.

When they reached home, Rachel guided him inside and locked the door behind them. "Why don’t you go wash up, sweetie? I’ll get dinner started."

Tommy nodded and made his way to the bathroom. He turned on the sink and splashed some cold water on his face, hoping it would clear his thoughts. Looking up, he stared at himself in the mirror.

Something about his reflection unsettled him.

He leaned in closer. His face looked… softer, rounder. Almost like he was younger than he remembered. He shook his head, telling himself he was just imagining things.

Taking a deep breath, he turned off the water and stepped out of the bathroom. As he walked past the living room, he noticed something strange.

On the coffee table sat a stack of colorful picture books. He frowned.

Those hadn’t been there before.

"Mom?" he called out hesitantly.

"Yes, sweetheart?" Rachel responded from the kitchen.

"Where did those books come from?"

"Oh, don’t be silly, Tommy. You love those books! I put them out so you can read them before bedtime," she said, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Tommy felt a chill run down his spine.

He picked up one of the books. It was something he remembered reading when he was four years old.

He set it back down and forced a laugh. "Right… uh, thanks."

Rachel peeked her head out from the kitchen. "Are you feeling okay, honey? You seem a little off today."

"I’m fine," he said quickly. "Just… tired."

"That’s what I thought," she said with a knowing smile. "You had such a big day. Maybe an early bedtime is best."

Tommy’s stomach sank. "Uh, yeah, maybe."

Something was wrong.

He could feel it in every part of his body, but he didn’t know what to do.

As he ate dinner with his parents, they talked cheerfully about their life in Silverbrook, mentioning things he had no memory of. spoke as if they had lived there for months. As if he had always been this way.

And the worst part?

The longer he listened… the harder it was to disagree.

When bedtime came, Tommy felt exhausted in a way he couldn’t explain. His eyelids were heavy as he climbed into bed. His mother tucked him in, as she read a book to him while he fell asleep, she kissed his forehead.

"Sleep tight, sweetheart," she whispered before turning off the light.

As Tommy drifted off, his last conscious thought sent a wave of fear through him.

How long before I forget who I really am?

Tommy fought the sleep and got out of bed. He knew he had to find a away to save his memories. He quietly went through his old school bag looking for some clean papers that he could write on, He put the date on it and started writing about who he was, what he remembered from the world before moving here he wanted to preserve who he was. Now onto the mystery of Silverbrook. All the questions that he wanted answers for, the people

he had met, and the strange details that didn’t add up—he wrote them all down.

Why did everyone look so young?

Why was everyone pushing strollers?

Why did no one seem to remember how long they had lived here?

And why was he starting to feel younger?

Tommy shivered. He didn’t know what was happening to him, but he was certain of one thing—Silverbrook was changing him.

He folded the paper and tucked it deep inside his backpack. He would add to it every day if he had to, just to make sure he never forgot who he really was.

Now, he needed answers.

Glancing at the clock, he saw it was just past midnight. His parents was fast asleep. This was his chance.

Carefully, he crept toward the door, pausing to listen for any movement. Nothing.

Slipping out into the hallway, he made his way toward the front door. The lock clicked softly as he turned it. Holding his breath, he eased it open and stepped outside.

The town was eerily quiet at night. Streetlights cast long shadows over the empty sidewalks. Everything looked normal… too normal.

He had a plan.

The library.

That locked room in the back—he was sure there were computers inside. If he could just get in, maybe he could find something about Silverbrook’s history. Maybe even a way to escape.

Heart pounding, he made his way down the empty street. As he passed by houses, he noticed something strange—every single home had a dim nightlight glowing in at least one window. Inside, he could see cribs, rocking chairs, stuffed animals.

His stomach twisted. Why did every house look like it belonged to a family with a baby?

He picked up his pace, his goal set on reaching the library. But then—

A soft click echoed behind him.

Tommy froze.

A door had just opened.

Slowly, he turned his head.

A figure stood in the doorway of a nearby house, bathed in shadow.

And then, in a soft, soothing voice, the figure spoke.

"Tommy… it’s late. Babies shouldn’t be outside at night."

Tommy’s blood ran cold.

They knew.

He had to run.

Now.

Tommy's heart pounded as he locked eyes with the shadowed figure in the doorway. He couldn't make out their face, but the way they stood—calm, expectant—sent a chill down his spine.

Every instinct screamed at him to run.

Without another thought, he turned and bolted down the street toward the library. His bare feet smacked against the pavement as he pushed himself faster, not daring to look back.

But then—

Soft footsteps.

Not running. Just… walking.

Tommy’s breath hitched. The person wasn’t chasing him. They didn’t need to.

Somehow, that was worse.

The library was just ahead. His only hope. He reached the doors and pulled on them—locked.

"No, no, no—come on!" he whispered desperately, tugging harder.

The locked room. The windows!

He darted around the side of the building, pressing himself against the cold brick. His eyes scanned the structure until—there! A small, grimy window, just barely cracked open.

He jumped, gripping the ledge, and scrambled to pull himself up. It took every ounce of strength he had, but finally, he managed to squeeze inside.

He landed with a thud on the dusty floor.

For a moment, he lay there, catching his breath. The room was dark, but he could just make out the outlines of two desks. He was right—computers!

Shaking, he scrambled to his feet and reached for the nearest keyboard. He pressed the power button.

Nothing.

He tried the other one.

Still nothing.

His stomach twisted. Were they unplugged? Broken? Or worse—never meant to be used?

Then—tap, tap, tap.

Tommy’s breath hitched.

Someone was outside.

Slowly, he turned toward the window.

A shadowy figure stood just beyond the glass. Watching. Waiting.

And then, in that same soft, knowing voice, they spoke.

"Come now, Tommy. You’re not supposed to be in there. It’s bedtime for little ones."

Tommy backed away, his body trembling.

Something was very, very wrong with Silverbrook.

And he was running out of time.

the shadowy figure steps into the dimly lit room. It was Natalie the niece of Elanor! She starts singing a lullaby and Tommy

froze.

The melody was soft, soothing—too soothing. As soon as the first few notes left Nataliee’s lips, a strange warmth spread through Tommy’s body. His eyelids grew heavy, his muscles relaxed against his will.

No— he tried to shake it off, but the song wrapped around him like a blanket, pulling him deeper.

Nataliee took a slow step forward, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Hush now, little one… the night is long and deep…

Close your eyes so sweetly… drift into your sleep…"

Tommy’s knees buckled, and he caught himself against one of the desks. His breathing was slowing, his thoughts getting fuzzy. His body wanted to give in—to let go.

No! He couldn’t fall asleep! He bit the inside of his cheek, trying to jolt himself awake. The pain barely registered.

Nataliee stepped closer.

"It’s okay, Tommy," she cooed. "You’ve had a long day. Just let it happen."

Her voice was so kind, so gentle… but there was something wrong about it. Like she knew exactly what was happening to him. Like this wasn’t the first time she’d done this.

Tommy’s vision blurred. He couldn’t stay standing. He sank to the floor, his body curling in on itself. His thumb—no! He fought against it, but somehow, it was already in his mouth. His body moved on its own, like it knew what it was supposed to do.

A distant part of him screamed.

"No! Don’t let it happen! Don’t let them take you!"

Nataliee knelt beside him, brushing his hair back with a delicate touch. "That’s it, sweetheart. Just sleep. Everything will be better in the morning."

Her voice was a lullaby all on its own.

Tommy blinked, his body going limp.

His last thought before the darkness took him was What’s happening to me?

And then—

Everything faded.

Tommy’s eyes fluttered open. Soft morning light filtered through his bedroom window, casting a warm glow over the familiar walls. He was in his bed, tucked in snugly beneath the covers. His body felt heavy, almost like he’d been sleeping for days.

He sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes. His head was fuzzy, his thoughts sluggish.

What happened last night?

Had he really snuck out? Had he made it to the library? Had Nataliee… been there?

Or had it all been a dream?

His heart pounded as he tried to piece it together. He remembered writing down his memories. He remembered the eerie walk through town. The locked room at the library. And then—Nataliee. The lullaby. The feeling of slipping away.

But now, here he was. Safe. In his own bed.

Had any of it been real?

Tommy threw off the covers and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. That’s when he noticed something that made his stomach drop.

His school bag.

It was right where he had left it the night before. But when he unzipped it and rifled through the pockets—

His papers were gone.

His heart hammered in his chest. He knew he had written them. He had written down everything about himself, everything he could remember about life before Silverbrook. He had hidden the pages deep in his bag to keep them safe.

But now… they were missing.

Tommy’s hands trembled as he searched again, but it was no use. Someone had taken them.

A shiver ran down his spine.

The door to his room creaked open.

"Morning, sweetheart!" his mom called cheerfully. "Come on, time for breakfast!"

Tommy swallowed hard. He hesitated, staring at his empty bag.

Someone didn’t want him to remember.

And he had a feeling he was running out of time.

Tommy forced himself to eat breakfast, though his mind was elsewhere. His dad left for work as usual, while his mom, Rachel, stayed behind, chatting about plans for the town’s Christmas celebration. She was on the committee board, meaning she’d likely be busy with meetings all day.

Good, Tommy thought. That would give him time to rewrite everything and find a better hiding place.

After finishing breakfast, he excused himself and hurried back to his room. He locked the door behind him and dug through his bag, just in case he had missed the papers earlier.

Still gone.

Whoever had taken them wanted him to forget.

But he wouldn’t.

Grabbing a fresh notebook, he sat at his desk by the window, looking out down the street he saw a mother and toddler walking down the street in the direction of his house. Not sure who it was, Tommy watched carefully to see if he could recognize them and wonder where they were going.

As the too approached the house of Elanor, they turned and walked up the steps where Elanor herself greeted them. Unable to hear what they were talking about. Tommy could only watch as the little boy reached up and took Elanor’s hand, she turned to walk into the house as the mother left walking back in the direction she came from.

Before Elanor took the boy inside, she looked into the window of Tommy’s room. As she knew he was watching her.

Quickly he pulled away from the window but knew he had been busted. He continued with the mission at hand. He flipped to the first page and wrote:

My Name is Tommy Whitmore.

I am NOT from Silverbrook.

We moved here recently. I am 10 years old, moved here from Kansas with my family last week. But everyone says we’ve been here longer. That’s not true.

He paused, trying to recall every detail he could. His memory felt off—almost like trying to remember a dream after waking up. The edges of his thoughts were fuzzy.

Still, he forced himself to keep writing:

Strange Things About Silverbrook:

Everyone looks too young. No one seems older than 50.

Everyone seems to have a baby

The library only has books for little kids. The adult books are gone.

Nataliee sang a lullaby, and it made me so tired.

I woke up in bed, but I know I snuck out last night.

Tommy’s hands trembled as he finished the list. It all sounded so crazy, but he knew it was real.

He needed a better hiding place this time.

Looking around his room, he spotted the air vent near the floor. It was big enough to slip his notebook inside. He grabbed a screwdriver from his desk drawer, loosened the vent cover, and carefully tucked the notebook deep inside before screwing it back in place.

Just as he finished, he heard his mother’s voice from the other room.

"Tommy, honey! Get dressed—we’re heading into town!"

His stomach tightened. He wasn’t sure what was waiting for him out there.

But one thing was certain—he needed more answers.

As they walked out of the house, Tommy instinctively reached up and took his mom’s hand without even realizing it. They strolled down the street together, passing small shops along the way.

"I think today we should go to the park and play before Mommy-and-Me storytime at the library," Rachel said.

"That sounds fun!" Tommy replied.

"After the library, I need to drop you off at the babysitter’s so I can go to the committee meeting for a few hours."

"What do you mean, babysitter?" Tommy asked, frowning.

"You know—the same one we’ve been using for months now!"

"But nothing happens in this town. Why would I need a babysitter?"

"Well, we are responsible parents," Rachel said simply.

Rachel took Tommy to the park to play. He had so much fun on the swings and climbing the playset that, for a moment, he forgot who he was. He just enjoyed running around, meeting the other kids. Most of them didn’t talk much, but Tommy could see the joy in their eyes as they played together.

Time flew by, and before he knew it, he heard his mom calling for him.

"Alright, was that fun?" she asked as he ran up to her.

"It was so much fun!" Tommy beamed.

"Are you ready for storytime?"

Tommy’s face lit up even more. "Yes, Mommy! It’s my favorite!"

"Okay, then let’s head to the library before we miss it."

Tommy took his mom’s hand again, and they walked briskly to the library. But as they stepped inside, something came over him.

A memory.

The locked room with the computers.

He was 11 years old.

Something was happening in this town.

It all came rushing back to him.

He snapped back to reality.

They walked into the reading area, and Rachel sat on the floor, pulling Tommy into her lap while the storyteller read aloud. Tommy tried to fight sleep, but the gentle rocking of his mother’s arms and the storyteller’s soothing voice made it impossible to stay awake.

As he drifted off, flashes of his old life filled his mind—his friends, basketball games—so fresh and vivid, as if they had just happened.

He startled awake.

"What’s the matter, sweetie?" Rachel asked. "Did you have a bad dream?"

Tommy wasn’t sure what his mind was trying to do.

But deep inside, he knew one thing:

He had to keep fighting whatever this town was doing to him.

Story and nap time were over, and Rachel still had to attend her committee meeting. Tommy got up from her lap as she stood.

"Let’s take you to your babysitter for a few hours," she said.

Tommy hesitated, resisting the urge to hold Rachel’s hand this time.

"I don’t know what’s gotten into you lately," she said with a sigh.

As they walked down the street, heading back toward home, Tommy noticed something strange.

The woman from earlier—the one who had dropped off a toddler at Elanor’s house—was now carrying a baby in a wrap around her waist, walking out of Elanor’s house.

Tommy frowned. Hadn’t he seen her drop off a toddler, not a baby? He was almost positive.

As they passed the woman, Rachel couldn’t help but comment. "Oh, what an adorable little one!"

"Thank you, dear," the woman said with a smile. "He’s just our little angel."

Tommy’s stomach twisted.

Rachel turned toward Elanor’s house.

"Why are we here?" Tommy asked.

"Oh, this is your babysitter," Rachel said.

Tommy’s heart pounded. "How do you not remember that I’ve never had a babysitter here before?"

Rachel sighed. "I don’t know what’s gotten into you, Tommy. Elanor has watched you for months!"

Tommy felt sick. "I don’t know what I remember anymore," he muttered.

They walked up the steps, and before they even knocked, the door swung open.

"Greetings, Rachel. And hello, little Tommy," Elanor said warmly. "I’ve been waiting for you."

Tommy hesitated.

"You can go ahead inside, dear," Elanor said, ushering him in. "I’ll just speak with your mother out here for a moment."

Reluctantly, Tommy stepped inside and went straight to the living room. It felt strangely familiar, as if he had done this before.

"Have a wonderful day," Elanor said to Rachel.

"Thank you. I certainly will," Rachel replied. "David is working late trying to get things ready for the Christmas party, so I’m not sure who will be here first to pick him up."

"Oh, honey, don’t worry about it," Elanor said, her voice smooth and reassuring. "Little Tommy is in good hands."

Rachel gave a small laugh. "I know he is."

Tommy listened as his mother’s footsteps faded down the sidewalk.

The door shut behind her.

Elanor turned. "Little Tommy, where are you?"

"In the living room," he called back.

"Oh, that’s so good of you," she said as she entered. "Did you remember to wash your hands this time?"

Tommy hesitated. "No… was I supposed to?"

Elanor chuckled softly. "Of course, dear. Come with me."

She took his hand—not harshly, but firmly enough that he didn’t think to resist. Leading him to the bathroom, she turned on the water and, before he could start, took his hands in hers and began washing them for him.

Her touch was gentle but inescapable.

Once she was done, she dried his hands and guided him back to the living room.

"I hear you might have some questions for me," she said, her voice sweet yet unreadable.

Tommy swallowed hard. He had so many questions, but now that he was here, they tangled in his throat.

Finally, he stammered, "What is this place doing to me?"

Elanor tilted her head. "Oh? What do you mean, little one?"

"Why do I feel so different?" he demanded.

Elanor gave a soft chuckle. "I don’t have an answer for that," she said. "You’re still the same little boy who has lived next door for as long as I can remember."

"No, that’s not true!" Tommy said loudly.

Elanor didn’t flinch.

"I just moved in a few weeks ago," he insisted. "I know who I am. I moved here from—" He hesitated. "Kansas… or some state like that. I was in eighth grade when I moved!"

Elanor’s smile didn’t waver. "Oh, hush, little one," she said soothingly. "You’re making up memories."

"No! I—"

She hummed softly.

Tommy’s breath hitched.

The lullaby.

His body relaxed against his will.

"I have something that will help you relax," she cooed, pulling him gently into her lap.

"No," he tried to say, but his voice came out weak, tired.

She rocked him, her voice impossibly sweet, impossibly soothing.

Tommy fought to keep his eyes open. He had to resist. Had to remember.

But his eyelids grew heavier.

And heavier.

"That’s my good boy," Elanor murmured.

His last thought before sleep took him was horrifying:

If he kept falling asleep like this… would he ever wake up as himself again?

Tommy’s dreams weren’t dreams at all. They were memories.

Warmth. Softness. The gentle sway of being rocked.

He was just dreaming of being a baby.

His tiny fingers twitched. His legs kicked. But something was wrong.

As Tommy started to wake up from this dream,

His hands brushed against something enclosing—soft but restricting. His legs stretched out, only to meet wooden bars.

And something else—something in his mouth.

A slow sense of panic built within him.

His eyelids fluttered open. His blurry vision adjusted to the dim light. Pastel-colored walls. A mobile spinning above him. The bars surrounding him.

A crib.

His breath hitched.

No. No, this isn’t right. This isn’t real.

His tongue pushed against the object in his mouth. He reached up with clumsy fingers, grabbed it, and pulled it free.

A pacifier.

Horror flooded him.

He tried to call for help, to scream.

But no words came.

Instead—

A high-pitched, helpless wail escaped his lips.

His eyes widened in terror. That wasn’t his voice. That wasn’t his cry.

He tried again, but all that came out was another desperate, babyish sob.

Tears welled in his eyes—not from sadness, but from sheer panic. His body wasn’t listening to him. He wasn’t in control.

The door creaked open.

Soft footsteps approached.

Elanor.

She loomed over the crib, her smile warm. Knowing.

"Oh, sweet baby," she cooed, reaching in to stroke his hair. "I know, I know. It’s always confusing at first."

Tommy whimpered, pushing weakly at her hand. He wanted to demand answers, to ask her what she had done to him, but all that came out was another helpless whine.

Elanor chuckled. "Shhh, little one. No need to fuss. It’s alright. You’re home now."

Tommy shook his head furiously, gripping the crib bars with tiny fingers. This wasn’t right! He wasn’t a baby! He was eleven! He had just been at the library—hadn’t he?

His mind swirled with confusion. His memories felt distant, like trying to grasp smoke.

Had he ever really been eleven?

Had he ever really lived anywhere else?

Or… had he always been here?

"No," he tried to say, but the only sound that came out was a pitiful whimper.

Elanor lifted him from the crib, cradling him with ease.

"There, there, sweetheart," she whispered, rocking him gently. "No more worrying. No more fighting. Just let yourself be."

His body betrayed him, curling instinctively into her warmth. The scent of lavender filled his senses. His tiny fists relaxed.

His eyelids drooped.

No.

No, he had to stay awake. He had to remember.

But the gentle rhythm of her rocking, the soothing tone of her voice—it was too much. His body felt impossibly heavy. His mind fogged over.

Elanor pressed a warm bottle of milk to his lips.

Tommy tried to resist.

But his lips parted.

His mouth instinctively latched onto the bottle.

As he suckled, his body melted into her embrace.

His thoughts drifted.

His worries faded.

All that remained was warmth, comfort, and the steady, rhythmic rocking.

Before he could fully succumb to the haze, Elanor carried him to a changing table. Humming softly, she unsnapped his onesie and expertly changed his diaper with practiced ease. The scent of baby powder filled the air as she taped him securely into a fresh one.

"There we go, all clean," she cooed, fastening his onesie again. "Such a sweet little baby."

And a distant, fading voice in the back of his mind whispered—

Don’t forget who you are.

Then, everything went dark.

As Tommy lay there in that crib, he was struggling to remember who he was. His mind fought against the power of the town. He knew he was not a baby anymore. He was thirteen. He tried to list off the friends he could remember.

A sudden brightness filled the room.

Tommy’s eyes fluttered open. The warm, hazy fog clouding his mind lifted ever so slightly. He blinked, adjusting to the light. His hands—they weren’t tiny anymore. They were the same size he remembered them to be.

He swallowed hard and took a breath. "H-Hello?" His voice came out clear. His voice.

His heart pounded. He could talk.

His fingers ran along the bedding beneath him—not a crib mattress, but something softer, familiar.

His head jerked up. The nursery was gone. No pastel walls. No mobile. No crib. No baby clothes.

It was just a normal bedroom.

Confusion crashed over him in waves.

The door creaked open, and Natalie stood in the doorway. But this time, she didn’t loom over him with that knowing smile. She simply nodded toward the hallway.

"Your mom is here to take you home."

Tommy hesitated, his heart still racing. Had it all been a dream? A hallucination? Or was it something else—something real, something powerful?

As he swung his legs over the side of the bed, a single thought lingered in his mind.

How can I not forget myself!

As Natalie walked Tommy to the front door of the house, Rachel was waiting for him. It was already late, after 9 p.m. Tommy was confused about what had happened. Why did it feel so real? What happened to Eleanor? He couldn’t remember Natalie being there.

“Did you have fun at Eleanor’s house tonight?” Rachel asked. “Natalie told me about all the fun games you played today with Eleanor. You must have worn yourself out. Don’t forget to say thank you to her for watching you.”

“Thank you, Natalie,” said Tommy.

Rachel picked Tommy up and carried him home. She quietly changed him into his pajamas and laid him in bed, tucking him in. Tommy was already fast asleep, once again sucking his thumb. Rachel quietly left his room and returned to spend the evening with her husband.

The next morning, Tommy woke up still trying to make sense of the night before. Had it really happened? He climbed out of bed and went straight to his hiding spot to check on his notebook. It was still there. Flipping to a fresh page, he began writing, trying to recount the strange events.

Was I actually a baby again? How could that be?

As he scribbled down his thoughts, he noticed something unsettling—his handwriting wasn’t as steady as it used to be. It looked almost childish, like he had forgotten how to write properly.

"I’m just getting into my own head," he muttered, shaking the thought away.

Once he finished writing, he tucked the notebook back in its hiding spot and went to brush his teeth. As he looked in the mirror, his stomach twisted. His reflection looked younger than he remembered. His face was rounder, his frame slightly smaller—almost as if he had physically regressed.

This was real.

"Somehow, Eleanor turned me into a baby… What if she does it again? What if I stay that way? I need to figure out what’s happening before it’s too late."

Pushing down his rising anxiety, Tommy made his way downstairs. His parents were already at the table, waiting for him to join them for breakfast.

“Good morning, buddy!” his dad greeted.

“Morning,” Tommy mumbled as he sat down. He hesitated for a moment, then looked up at them.

“How old am I?” he asked cautiously.

His parents exchanged a quick glance before his mom chuckled. “You’re 9, sweetheart. We just had your birthday two months ago.”

Tommy’s heart pounded. “Are you sure? I thought I was closer to 13…”

His dad ruffled his hair with a laugh. “Nope, you’ve still got a few years before that happens. Don’t rush it, kiddo.”

Tommy forced a small smile, but his mind was spinning. He knew he had been older. Something had changed.

His mom’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “We’re going to have an amazing day! The town Christmas parade is this afternoon, and then there’s the big Christmas party afterward. It’ll be so much fun.”

Tommy nodded, trying to focus. But deep down, he knew he had to get to the bottom of what was happening—before it was too late.

After breakfast, Tommy got dressed and tried to shake off the uneasy feeling in his gut. Maybe he was just overthinking everything. Maybe it really had just been a dream, and he was imagining the changes. But deep down, he couldn’t ignore the feeling that something was wrong.

The town’s Christmas parade was always a big deal, and as Tommy and his parents arrived downtown, the streets were lined with people bundled up in scarves and coats. Snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Tommy tried to act normal, laughing when his parents pointed out the passing floats—one childish display after another. The crowd cheered, loving every moment of it. But instead of handing out candy, volunteers were passing out baby items—pacifiers, bottles, even diapers.

His mom suddenly held out a pacifier to him.

“Here you go,” she said, smiling.

Tommy frowned. “Why are you giving me this?”

“So you don’t have to suck your thumb all the time.”

His stomach twisted. “Have I been doing that?”

“Yes. Every time you nap.”

Tommy swallowed hard. That couldn’t be right. He was thirteen… wasn’t he?

But his mind was elsewhere.

Then, he saw her.

Across the street, Eleanor stood watching him.

The moment their eyes met, a chill ran down his spine. She gave him a small, knowing smile, tilting her head slightly—like she was waiting for him to remember something.

Tommy’s breath hitched.

Before he could react, a float passed between them, blocking his view. When it rolled past, Eleanor was gone.

“Tommy, are you okay?” His mom’s hand rested on his shoulder.

He quickly nodded, shaking off the eerie feeling. “Yeah, just—just cold.”

His mom smiled and wrapped an arm around him. “The party at town hall will warm you right up.”

Tommy wasn’t so sure.

The parade continued, but his mind spun. Eleanor had been watching him—there was no doubt about it. And that smile… she had done something to him. But how could he get his parents to believe him when he wasn’t even sure he believed himself?

As the parade ended, Tommy walked with his parents toward the town hall, where the annual Christmas party was in full swing. The large building was decorated with twinkling lights and wreaths, and the smell of hot cocoa and baked goods filled the air. Laughter echoed around him as kids ran through the crowd, playing and admiring the massive Christmas tree in the center of the room.

Tommy tried to act normal, but he kept scanning the crowd for Eleanor.

“Honey, why don’t you take Tommy to the kids’ room while I talk to Mr. Peterson?” his dad suggested.

“Okay,” dear, nudging Tommy toward the playroom. “Here you go—some kids your age to hang out with. And if you need any of that baby stuff from the parade…” she smirked.

Tommy barely heard her.

Inside the kids’ room, Christmas lights twinkled, and soft holiday music played in the background. Some kids were gathered around a table coloring, while others sat on the floor playing with blocks or stuffed animals. A few were even sucking on pacifiers or drinking from bottles—like it was completely normal.

Tommy stood frozen in the doorway.

Something was wrong.

The parade had been strange enough, but this? It was like the entire town embraced babyish behavior—like it was expected.

“Tommy.”

His heart stopped.

He turned, and there she was.

Eleanor stood in the corner, watching him. This time, there was no parade float to block his view. No way to convince himself he had imagined her.

She smiled and stepped closer. “Good evening, Tommy. How is my favorite little one doing tonight?”

His throat went dry. “I… I’m doing okay?”

She tilted her head. “Are you sure about that?”

Tommy felt frozen. His mind raced with questions. Who was he? Where was he from? How old was he really?

Eleanor’s voice was soft. “Tell me about yourself, Tommy. I love hearing about you.”

His heart pounded. Which memories could he trust?

“I’m Tommy,” he finally said. “I think I’m from Silverbrook, and I’m twelve—no, wait…” He hesitated, the words catching in his throat. “Nine years old?”

Eleanor gave him a knowing look. “Oh, sweetie. You still have some work to do.”

Tommy shivered. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.

Eleanor smiled warmly. “Have a wonderful night. I’ll be seeing you soon.”

The moment she turned, Tommy blinked—

And she was gone.

His head spun. He swayed slightly, disoriented.

For a brief moment, Tommy felt completely lost. The voices around him faded, and the only sound he could hear was a sharp, desperate wail.

A child crying.

His stomach dropped.

It was him.

The lady watching over the kids’ room rushed over and gently picked him up. “It’s okay, Tommy,” she cooed, rocking him back and forth. “I’m here to take care of you.”

She rummaged through one of the gift bags from earlier and pulled out a pacifier. Before he could react, she slipped it into his mouth.

Tommy whimpered—but he didn’t push it away.

Why?

Why had he just accepted it?

He hadn’t felt this alone since he was a toddler.

And yet… the pacifier soothed him. The rocking comforted him.

Slowly, the panic faded.

Still sucking on the pacifier, Tommy sat down with some of the other kids and began to color, the crayon moving across the paper in slow, uncertain strokes.

But in the back of his mind, the questions remained.

Who was he really?

And what had Eleanor meant when she said she’d be seeing him soon?

The crayon in Tommy’s hand moved sluggishly across the page. He wasn’t even paying attention to what he was coloring—his mind was spinning too fast. The soft sucking motions of the pacifier in his mouth felt… oddly natural. But that only made his confusion worse.

This wasn’t normal.

None of this was normal.

He glanced around the room again. The other kids seemed content, lost in their activities—stacking blocks, scribbling in coloring books, rocking plush toys like babies. A few sat on the floor, nursing bottles, while others dozed off with pacifiers bobbing in their mouths. The sight should have struck him as weird.

Instead, it felt disturbingly ordinary.

Like he was the one who had forgotten something.

Like this was how things were supposed to be.

His stomach twisted.

“Tommy?”

The lady watching the kids—Miss Janine, he thought her name was—knelt beside him, her expression warm but concerned. “Are you feeling okay, sweetheart?”

Tommy nodded quickly, not trusting his voice.

She smiled and brushed a hand over his hair. “It’s been a long day, huh? Maybe you just need a little rest.”

Before he could protest, she gently guided him toward a soft mat in the corner of the room. A few other kids were already curled up under fuzzy blankets, their chests rising and falling in peaceful slumber. A mobile overhead spun lazily, golden stars twinkling as it played a slow, delicate lullaby.

Tommy’s heart pounded.

This wasn’t right.

He shouldn’t be here.

But the moment he sank onto the mat, his body relaxed against his will. The pacifier bobbed in his mouth, the soft lullaby washing over him like a wave, pulling him under.

Miss Janine tucked a blanket around him, her voice soothing. “That’s it, sweetheart. Just rest for a bit. You’re safe here.”

Safe.

The word clung to him as his eyelids drooped, heavy as lead.

But just before sleep took hold—

A whisper. In his mind, said

“You don’t belong here.”

As Tommy fell asleep, Tommy’s nap had been deep, but something jolted him awake. A sudden, uncomfortable wetness spread beneath him, the soft mat now damp. He groggily shifted, blinking to try and make sense of what had happened. His body felt disoriented, his mind foggy, but the wetness was undeniable. He looked down at the mat and the realization slowly seeped in—he had wet himself.

His stomach twisted, and before he could fully process it, the tears came. They weren’t the quiet, controlled kind of tears; they were the desperate, confused sobs of a child who didn’t understand why this was happening. His hands trembled as he pressed them against his face, the soft sniffling rising with each breath. Why was this happening? What had changed?

Miss Janine was the first to notice. She had been gently checking on the other kids, making sure they were comfortable in their sleep. When she saw Tommy's distress, she hurried over. Her soft, calming voice met him before she even reached him.

"Tommy, sweetie, what’s wrong?" she asked softly, kneeling beside him.

Tommy couldn’t stop the tears. He hiccupped as he tried to explain, but the words wouldn’t come. The shame, the confusion—it all welled up in him like a storm.

Miss Janine’s face softened as she gently touched his shoulder. “Oh, sweetheart... it’s okay. Let’s see what happened.”

When she looked down at the wet mat, her gentle smile remained, but there was a glint of understanding in her eyes. She gently lifted Tommy up, cradling him in her arms as if he were much smaller than his actual age.

“There, there, Tommy. We’ll get you all cleaned up, sweetie. Don’t worry.”

Tommy’s cries continued as Miss Janine carried him across the playroom, where a few of the younger children were already in their own little world, happily suckling on bottles or clutching stuffed animals. She set Tommy down in a soft chair, where she began to remove his wet clothes with tender care. As she did, Tommy’s embarrassment grew—he couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened, and it only made the tears fall harder.

Miss Janine didn’t say a word about it, but her actions were clear. She gently reached for a diaper, one of the many that had been distributed during the parade. She unfolded it, her movements practiced and calm as she began to change him.

“It’s okay, Tommy,” she cooed, smoothing his hair back from his forehead as she worked. “You’re just a little boy, and accidents happen. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

Tommy’s sobs quieted only slightly, still too overwhelmed to comprehend much of what was happening. But the feeling of the diaper being gently secured around him, the soft fabric against his skin, did comfort him in a way he couldn’t quite explain.

By the time Tommy’s parents came in, Miss Janine had already finished changing him. They stood in the doorway, their faces etched with surprise and concern. Tommy’s mom immediately stepped forward, her voice soft with an apologetic tone.

“Oh, Tommy,” she said, kneeling down beside him. “You had an accident, didn’t you, sweetheart?” She stroked his hair affectionately, her voice warm and soothing. “Don’t worry about it. It happens sometimes, especially with everything going on today.”

Tommy blinked up at her, still caught in a haze of confusion. This... this had never happened before. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d wet the bed, but somehow, it seemed so normal now—the way his mom was reacting, the way Miss Janine had taken care of him. It all felt so... routine.

His dad joined them, patting Tommy’s back as he spoke in the same gentle voice. “It’s perfectly normal, buddy. Sometimes kids your age still have little accidents, especially during stressful times. Don’t worry, you’re not the first.”

Tommy swallowed, his eyes brimming with tears. He tried to speak, to ask what was happening to him, but his voice came out in a small, shaky whisper.

“I didn’t mean to… I’m not a baby…”

His mom smiled softly, brushing a tear from his cheek. “Sweetheart, everyone has accidents. You’re still our little guy. No need to worry.”

But deep down, Tommy couldn’t help but feel something was terribly wrong. The more his parents reassured him, the more he felt the distance between who he was supposed to be and who they thought he was becoming.

As they helped him to his feet, Tommy couldn’t shake the feeling that he was slipping further into something he didn’t understand. Though he tried to push it aside, Eleanor’s words lingered in the air, waiting for him to acknowledge them.

Now fully awake—and with wet pants he couldn’t wear—his parents suggested he continue the rest of the party in just a diaper and shirt. They assured him that nobody would think anything of it. As he rejoined the gathering, no one reacted with anything more than coos about how precious he looked.

As the party drew to a close, guests said their goodbyes while his parents gathered up gifts and belongings. When they finally stepped outside, the cold night air sent a shiver through Tommy. Noticing this, his father scooped him up without hesitation. Tommy barely registered the words murmured in his ear about getting home soon. His world had narrowed to the chill against his bare legs, the warmth of his father’s embrace, and the soft crinkle of the diaper against his skin.

The walk home felt longer than it should have. The pacifier in his mouth seemed heavier, almost as if it had been there for hours. Absently, he sucked on it, trying to steady his thoughts, but the more he focused, the further away his old self seemed to slip.

Streetlights flickered, casting long shadows over the snow-covered ground. His parents spoke in hushed tones, but Tommy wasn’t listening. He was too lost in the fog creeping through his mind, stealing away pieces of himself.

By the time they reached home, Tommy was too drained to resist. His parents carried him upstairs, their voices gentle and soothing, promising that tomorrow was another day. But deep down, Tommy knew—nothing would be the same when he woke up.

Eleanor’s words echoed in his mind. You still have some work to do. He didn’t know what she meant, but they haunted him as his eyes fluttered shut. The pacifier remained in his mouth, and his parents’ soft voices faded into the background.

And for the first time, Tommy couldn’t remember who he was supposed to be anymore.

Morning light filtered through the curtains as Tommy stirred. He yawned, stretching lazily—but something felt different. As he shifted beneath the blankets, the now-familiar thickness between his legs sent a wave of unease through him.

Not again.

Heart pounding, he sat up and pressed his hand against his pajama pants. The telltale bulk of a diaper greeted him, crinkling softly under his touch. His stomach twisted. He didn’t remember putting it on. He didn’t remember needing it. But as he hesitantly prodded the front, the warmth told him everything he needed to know.

He had wet himself. Again.

His breath hitched. No. No, this isn’t right. He was thirteen—he didn’t need diapers! But as he clung to that thought, doubt gnawed at the edges of his mind. His mother had said he was nine. Had she been right? That couldn’t be true… could it?

The fog was worse today. Simple things eluded him—what day it was, what he had done yesterday, even memories of life before Silverbrook. He knew he had a life before… hadn’t he? But the details felt distant, like a story he had read long ago.

A gentle knock at the door startled him.

“Tommy, sweetheart, time to wake up,” his mother called. “Breakfast is ready.”

Panic flared. He had to get out of the diaper before she saw! He fumbled with the blankets and with the tapes, but his hands felt clumsy, uncoordinated. The tapes barely budged. Why was this so hard?

The door opened before he could do anything more.

Rachel stepped inside, smiling warmly. “Good morning, sweetie.”

Tommy stiffened. “I—I—”

Rachel chuckled, stepping closer. “Oh, sweetheart, don’t be silly. Look at you, all sleepy-eyed and cozy.” She ruffled his hair before pulling back his blanket. The moment she saw his diaper, her smile didn’t falter. If anything, she seemed pleased.

“Good thing Mommy makes sure you’re safe and dry.”

She pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. “Don’t worry, honey. Lots of little ones have nighttime accidents. That’s why we have these. Now, let’s get you changed so you can have breakfast.”

Tommy wanted to protest, to fight back—but his body felt sluggish, his thoughts too muddled. He let her guide him onto his back, and before he knew it, she had the tapes undone. The cool air against his damp skin made him shudder.

Rachel hummed softly as she cleaned him up with practiced ease, as though she had been doing it forever. His cheeks burned, but she acted as if it were completely normal. When she slid a fresh pair of underwear on him.

“Hush, sweetheart,” Rachel cooed. “Let’s not be fussy this morning.”

The words made Tommy’s stomach twist. It was such a simple phrase, but it left him feeling small—like arguing was pointless. His body relaxed against his will as she finished dressing him in a cozy set of school clothes.

“There we go, all fresh,” Rachel said cheerfully. “Now hurry up, we don’t want to be late for your first day of school.”

Tommy blinked. School? That didn’t feel right.

When they arrived, Tommy looked up at the school’s sign and frowned. Fourth grade? That wasn’t right. He had been in middle school… hadn’t he?

But as he walked into the classroom, confusion gripped him tighter. There were only fifteen students. The teacher, a warm woman named Ms. Harper, greeted him with an unsettling familiarity.

“Welcome, Tommy. We’re so excited to have you in fourth grade.”

His stomach knotted. Hesitantly, he took his seat. But the lessons were too simple—things he had learned years ago. When he corrected a history fact, the teacher merely smiled and shook her head.

“That’s not quite right, dear. But don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of things soon.”

Tommy’s heart pounded. He knew he was right. He knew this wasn’t how things were supposed to be. But each time he spoke up, the teacher dismissed him, and his classmates giggled as if he had said something silly.

At recess, he sat alone, rubbing his temples. Memories flickered—his old school, his friends, the way things used to be. But here, none of it seemed to matter.

At the end of the day, Ms. Harper patted his head. “You did so well today, Tommy! I think you might need a little extra care after school. Eleanor has agreed to babysit you for a while.”

Tommy’s stomach dropped. Eleanor.

Rachel beamed when she arrived and heard the news from Ms. Harper, “Oh, that’s wonderful news! Tommy always loves spending time with Eleanor.”

No. No, I don’t! Tommy wanted to scream. But his voice wouldn’t come.

Rachel did not question anything, just was happy with this opportunity to enjoy some time with David her husband.

As Rachel walked him home, his stomach churned. His memories were returning, but he dreaded what awaited him at Eleanor’s house. The walk was short, and as they reached her gate, the door swung open.

Eleanor stepped outside, smiling warmly.

She had been expecting him.

And Tommy had the sinking feeling that soon, he wouldn’t have anything left to fight with.

Because every day, he forgot a little more.

"Come now, Tommy," Eleanor said gently, stroking his hair. "You must be exhausted after such a big day at school. Why don’t we get you nice and comfy?"

Tommy’s stomach twisted. He wanted to protest, to insist that he wasn’t tired—but something in Eleanor’s voice made it so hard to argue. His body betrayed him, and before he realized it, he was already nodding. As if on instinct, he settled onto the couch, his limbs feeling heavier with each breath.

Eleanor hummed softly, reaching for something just out of sight. The moment she began to sing, a warm, familiar melody filled the room, wrapping around him like a soft blanket. His eyes grew heavy, his breathing slowed, and before he could fight it, his body relaxed completely.

"We still have some work to do, little one," Eleanor whispered as he drifted away. "But don’t you worry… we’ll take things nice and slow."

When Tommy stirred from his deep slumber, something felt… different. His body felt smaller—much smaller. His limbs, once strong enough to carry him, were weak, barely responding as he tried to move. His fingers twitched, but they were clumsy, uncoordinated. Panic flickered through his foggy mind.

His eyes blinked open, adjusting to the soft, pastel colors of the room. Stuffed animals lined the shelves, a slow-spinning mobile cast gentle shadows across the ceiling, and a thick, warm blanket covered him. The scent of baby powder lingered in the air.

Then, he realized—he was back in the crib.

His breath hitched. He tried to sit up, but his body felt too fragile, his muscles too weak. A thick onesie covered his tiny frame, and beneath it, he felt the unmistakable bulk of a diaper.

No. No, this isn’t right!

Before he could process any more, Eleanor’s warm hands scooped him up with ease. She cradled him against her chest, her gentle rocking making him feel impossibly small.

His tiny hands instinctively grasped at her, but there was no control, no strength. A whimper escaped his lips, but it didn’t sound like his own. It was soft, high-pitched—like a baby’s cry. His stomach twisted as the helplessness sank in.

Eleanor cooed softly, rubbing his back in slow, soothing circles. "Shh, darling. You don’t need to worry. Everything is just as it should be."

Tommy squirmed weakly in her arms, trying to push away from her, but the more he resisted, the heavier his body felt. The regression was weighing him down, pulling him deeper into its grasp.

Tears welled in his eyes, spilling down his cheeks as he let out another helpless cry. The sobs wracked his tiny frame, but Eleanor only held him closer, humming softly in his ear.

"There, there, little one. You’re safe," she whispered, her voice dripping with warmth and finality.

Tommy’s mind swirled with confusion and fear, but his body was betraying him at every turn. His tiny fists opened and closed, grasping at nothing. His thoughts felt distant, slipping away like sand through his fingers.

Eleanor carried him to the changing table, laying him down with the practiced ease of someone who had done this a hundred times before. She unfastened his onesie and checked his diaper with a knowing smile.

"Let’s get you all freshened up, baby," she murmured, working efficiently as she changed him. Tommy whimpered, his legs kicking weakly, but there was no strength behind them.

After securing his fresh diaper, Eleanor lifted him once more, cradling him gently. Instead of returning to the nursery, she carried him into the kitchen, humming softly as she fixed his bottle. Tommy’s tiny hands curled weakly at her shirt, his body naturally molding into hers as he waited.

Wanting to let him see the world, Eleanor stepped out onto the porch, settling into a rocking chair as the sun dipped below the horizon. The golden hues bathed the sky in warmth, and a soft breeze rustled through the trees.

She brought the bottle to his lips, tilting it gently. "Drink up, sweetie. This will help you feel better."

Tommy’s lips parted instinctively, his tiny mouth latching onto the bottle without thought. The warm liquid filled his mouth, and as much as he wanted to resist, his body melted into the comfort of it.

"Shhh… good boy," Eleanor cooed, gently stroking his cheek. "Drink your milk. Tomorrow will be a better day. But for now, you just need to rest."

His eyes fluttered, struggling to stay open, but the rhythm of Eleanor’s voice and the warmth of her embrace made it impossible to fight.

As he lay there, his body growing heavier with each passing second, Tommy’s cries faded into quiet whimpers, then into nothing at all.

The porch filled with the soft sounds of his breath, the gentle crinkle of his diaper as he shifted slightly, and the lullaby Eleanor hummed just for him.

Soon, he was asleep once more, cradled in the gentle embrace of his new reality.

After Tommy finished his bottle, Eleanor carried him back inside and laid him gently on the floor. As he instinctively tried to stand, confusion flickered across his face—his body refused to respond the way he expected. His legs trembled, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t rise.

Instead of fighting it, Tommy gave in, dropping to his hands and knees. Crawling felt easier, more natural. His movements became automatic as he explored his surroundings, soon discovering a collection of soft, plush toys scattered around the floor.

Without hesitation, he reached for them, his tiny hands grabbing a stuffed bear and hugging it close. A giggle bubbled up in his throat as he flopped onto his belly, surrounded by the soft toys, completely immersed in his new world.

Eleanor watched with a satisfied smile, her eyes filled with warmth. "That’s it, little one. Just enjoy yourself," she whispered, stepping back as Tommy played, lost in the simple joys of infancy once more.

While Tommy was enjoying his time playing with the stuffed animals, Eleanor quietly stepped out of the room. In a flash, Natalie returned, her presence filling the space with energy. She sat down on the floor beside Tommy, playfully engaging with him. Tommy, completely engrossed in his toys, didn’t care who was watching.

With a bright smile, Natalie scooped him up off the floor and carried him toward the front door. Waiting outside was a stroller, perfectly positioned for him. She gently laid him inside, tucking a blanket around him as he snuggled with his pacifier.

The night was young, the crisp air brushing against his face as Natalie began pushing the stroller down the street. The townspeople smiled and waved as they passed, greeting Tommy with warmth and affection. He barely noticed, too content in his cozy little world. He was simply enjoying the moment.

For the moment, Tommy’s mind was clear. He was happy being pushed around in the stroller. As Natalie approached the bakery, she pushed him inside and collected a pastry to enjoy herself while feeding Tommy another bottle. By the time the bottle was finished, Tommy was getting tired, but instead of being put back in the stroller, Natalie lifted him into her arms.

"Oh goodness," Natalie said, wrinkling her nose playfully. "Smells like someone needs a diaper change."

She carried him into a changing room and laid him on the padded table. With practiced ease, she began changing him into a fresh diaper, cooing softly as she worked. Tommy squirmed slightly but didn’t protest—he was too comfortable, too lost in the gentle routine of being cared for.

Once Nataliee was done with the diaper change, she carried baby Tommy back to the stroller. Laying him inside and snug with the blanket. As the stroller glided smoothly along, Tommy's tiny body relaxed completely. His little hands rested at his sides, and his soft breathing filled the air as the gentle movement of the stroller worked its calming magic. By the time Nataliee reached the house, Tommy was sound asleep, nestled under the blanket, completely at peace in his infant state. She smiled as she carefully brought him inside, making sure to keep him cozy in his stroller while she prepared to settle him into his crib for a peaceful nap.

Tommy’s eyes fluttered open to a soft, unfamiliar light pouring in through the curtains. The bed beneath him felt too small, too soft—nothing like the crib he had been in just hours before. His heart began to race as the fog of sleep faded, and he tried to make sense of his surroundings.

The room looked normal at first—his own room, maybe, or something that resembled it—but something was off. The furniture around him was larger, more imposing. He felt small. Too small.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed, but as he stood up, the world seemed to shift beneath him. He was suddenly not just a few inches shorter than he remembered, He was feet shorter, his legs feeling weak and unsteady. The furniture that used to be within reach—his dresser, his closet door—was now out of his grasp. His body felt uncomfortably small, and panic began to build in his chest.

"No, no, no..." he whispered to himself, his voice trembling in a higher, more childish pitch. His hands, once capable of opening doors and reaching the top shelves, now felt small and clumsy as they fumbled in front of him.

Scared and confused, Tommy bolted toward the bathroom, his feet padding softly against the floor. His breath was quick and shallow as he approached the mirror, needing to see himself. But when he reached the bathroom door, he realized something was terribly wrong. He had always been able to reach the doorknob before, but now—he couldn’t. His hands barely grazed the top of the doorknob, and even on tiptoes, it was still out of reach.

Panic surged through him. "What’s happening?" His voice cracked as the words barely left his mouth. He had to know.

Frustrated, he jumped up, trying to grab the knob with no success. He backed away, his heart pounding, and stared at his reflection through the bathroom door’s glass panel. Everything was so far away, just out of reach. His body felt strange—too small, too fragile.

The realization hit him with full force: he wasn’t just smaller in the room—he was smaller everywhere. He wasn’t the same Tommy he had been yesterday. The reflection in the glass didn’t look like him at all. His face was rounder, his features softer, his body small and childlike.

Tears welled in Tommy’s eyes, and for the first time since he woke up, his body broke into sobs. He cried not because he didn’t understand—he understood far too well. The regression, the loss of himself, it was all happening. Eleanor’s magic had pulled him back even further.

"Why?" he whispered, his voice a mere whimper, the words almost unrecognizable. He looked up at the door, desperate to find some way to get inside, but the fear gnawing at him was growing by the second. He felt powerless, as if his very body was betraying him.

His cries echoed through the house, small and helpless, as he stumbled backward, his tiny hands grasping for something to hold onto. He was no longer the boy who had walked confidently through his house—he was a small child, lost in a world that suddenly felt much too big.

Eleanor’s soft footsteps echoed down the hallway, and Tommy’s sobs grew louder in anticipation. He could hear her coming, but it didn’t stop the fear that gripped his tiny chest. As the door opened, she entered with a calm, almost motherly smile, her presence filling the room like a comforting warmth.

"Shh, shh, sweetie, it’s okay," Eleanor cooed gently, stepping closer to him as he stood by the bathroom door, his tiny hands still reaching for something, anything. She leaned down, her voice soft and soothing. "It was just a bad dream, Tommy. You’re safe now."

Tommy looked up at her, his wide, tear-filled eyes filled with confusion and fear. "N-no!" he whimpered, his voice small and broken. He could understand what she was saying, but her words felt so far away from the reality he was trapped in. His tiny body was no longer his own, and the dream—if it even was a dream—felt all too real.

Eleanor reached out with one hand, brushing the stray hairs from his face as she bent down to his level, her touch gentle but firm. "Shh, darling. You don’t need to worry. Your mommy will be here soon to pick you up. You’re going home, but you just need to relax for now."

Her voice was smooth, almost hypnotic, as she continued speaking in that same calm tone. "You’re just my little guest for the night, remember? It’s all going to be fine. Nothing to be afraid of. You’re going home soon, Tommy. Just a little more rest, and everything will go back to how it should be."

Tommy’s body trembled, but his cries softened slightly as he clung to the words she spoke. He couldn’t help it—the sound of her voice, so warm and kind, made his resistance weaken. Mommy would come soon… Mommy… The thought of it, the memory of his own mother, seemed distant, like it belonged to someone else. He couldn’t even remember how he ended up here, but he didn’t want to be alone in this strange, babyish form.

He glanced up at Eleanor again, her smile reassuring but tinged with something he couldn’t quite understand. His mind, foggy and clouded, began to relax in her arms, but it only deepened his sense of helplessness.

She gently guided him back toward the small bed in the room, her hands never leaving his soft, round shoulders. "There we go, baby. Let’s just get you comfortable." She lifted him up with ease, cradling him in her arms like a small infant. Tommy instinctively curled into her chest, unable to fight the overwhelming sense of being small, weak, and vulnerable.

"It’s okay," Eleanor whispered, her voice like a lullaby. "You’re my sweet little boy. Soon, your mommy will come to take you home, but you just need to rest for now. Don’t worry, baby. Everything will be fine."

Tommy wanted to protest, wanted to scream that he wasn’t a baby, but the words stuck in his throat. His mind was fading again, his small body growing heavier, as if Eleanor’s words were lulling him back into the fog of sleep. The sense of panic slowly drifted away, replaced by a childlike comfort in her embrace, despite the overwhelming fear that lingered beneath it all.

As Eleanor tucked him into the soft bed, she whispered once more, "Just a little more sleep, Tommy. You’ll be okay."

And as much as Tommy wanted to fight, to resist, his eyelids grew heavy, his body no longer his own as he slipped back into unconsciousness, the world around him blurring into a dreamlike haze.

Tommy’s eyes widened with excitement when he heard the knock on the door, his little heart skipping a beat. His mind, still clouded from the night before, couldn’t quite comprehend what was happening, but the sound of his mother’s voice—Mommy—sent a spark of recognition through his small, fragile form. His little hands fumbled as he tried to push himself off the couch, his legs wobbling as he tried to stand.

"Mommy, mommy, is here!" he squealed in a high-pitched, childlike voice, his words barely forming as he rushed toward the door. His tiny feet padded on the floor, but he stopped in front of the door, realizing his inability to reach the handle.

Tommy’s eyes darted toward Eleanor, who stood behind him, watching the scene unfold with an unreadable expression. He tugged at her arm, a desperate whimper escaping his lips. "M-mommy," he repeated, his voice trembling with longing, but Eleanor didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she gave him a soft, reassuring smile before stepping toward the door.

As she turned the handle, the door opened to reveal Rachel, standing on the front porch with a warm, loving smile.

"How was he last night?" Rachel asked as she looked at Eleanor, her voice filled with gratitude. "He was just an angel. Thank you so much for watching him while I was out of town."

Tommy’s tiny hands clutched at the doorframe, his eyes fixed on his mother. She seemed so familiar, yet something felt off. She looked at him with a soft gaze, as if she hadn’t noticed the drastic change in his size. But to her, he always looked like this—small, innocent, and fragile.

"Come here, sweetie," Rachel said, kneeling down with her arms open wide. Tommy’s little heart swelled with relief as he eagerly toddled toward her, his small legs quickly closing the distance.

As she scooped him up and held him close, Tommy melted into her warmth. His tears gradually faded away as he nestled against her chest. Words escaped him—he felt too small, too lost—but his mother's familiar embrace was all he needed.

Rachel kissed the top of his head. "You’re just as precious as ever, Tommy. Let’s go home, okay?"

Tommy nodded weakly, a sense of safety washing over him. He didn’t fully understand what was happening, but in that moment, he simply allowed himself to be carried, trusting her as he always had.

Behind them, Eleanor stood silently, her gaze lingering on Tommy as he disappeared into his mother’s arms. She watched for a moment before softly closing the door, her expression unreadable.

As Rachel carried Tommy down the porch steps, he snuggled deeper into her arms. The world around him felt strange and distant, but his mother’s familiar scent grounded him. With her by his side, it almost felt like everything could be okay.

Over the following days, Tommy’s acceptance of his new reality grew. He no longer tried to remember his older, more independent life. Instead, he fully embraced this world—a world where he was a small toddler, carefree and completely reliant on his parents.

Rachel and her husband were delighted to see their little boy brimming with energy and curiosity. Their days were filled with simple toddler activities. Tommy would toddle around the house, exploring every nook and cranny. His small hands clumsily fumbled with toys, and his unsteady steps were accompanied by laughter and squeals.

His parents became deeply involved in his daily routines, helping him with everything—from getting dressed and brushing his teeth to following a daily potty-training schedule. Potty training proved to be a struggle, as Tommy often had accidents. However, his parents never gave up, always approaching the situation with patience and understanding.

Even the town seemed different through Tommy’s eyes. No longer the independent boy running errands, he now accompanied his parents on simple outings, like visiting the park or playing in the yard. Every activity was paced for him, and Rachel ensured that everything was safe and toddler-friendly.

Tommy giggled as he ran through the grass, sometimes tumbling over and laughing as if nothing mattered more than the joy of his newfound smallness. He loved being scooped up by his mommy when he got tired, enjoying the cuddles and the snacks she offered him.

The days stretched on, endless in the best way. There were playdates, naptimes, and bedtime stories. Tommy was content in this world, with no need to remember what came before. His parents were overjoyed to see him like this, treating him as the little boy they had always seen. They spoke to him in gentle, babyish terms—calling him "sweetie" or "little one"—and showered him with affection.

As the nights passed, Tommy’s dreams often drifted to worlds beyond Silverbrook. Sometimes, he would wake up from nightmares, crying and calling out to his parents for comfort. These flashes of dreams would also creep in during the day, causing him to daze off mid-play. He would only realize something was wrong when he noticed his wet pull-up, a subtle reminder of a time when he had been dry. But as quickly as these moments came, they would dissipate like smoke in the dark.

Tommy no longer questioned his reality. He had fully immersed himself in his toddlerhood, and with each passing day, the memories of who he had been before faded more and more.

Every few days, Eleanor would check in on little Tommy, visiting the house to make sure everything was going smoothly—always with a soft smile and a knowing glance. It was as if she were keeping a careful eye on him, ensuring his transition into his toddler self was progressing as planned.

Tommy’s days flowed seamlessly into one another. He continued to rely on his parents for everything, happily accepting their help and savoring the simplicity of his toddler life. With each passing day, he felt more like the little one they treated him as—content, loved, and free of worries.

As the weeks went by, with Tommy fully embracing his toddler life, small pieces of his past began to resurface. Memories flickered through his young mind in fragments. His speech, though still childish, occasionally revealed hints of his former self. Words slipped out in a way that no one could ignore. Though it was sometimes difficult to understand him, there were moments when his true thoughts emerged—soft whispers of the past breaking through.

Unfortunately, one of these moments occurred in front of Eleanor. The sounds he made weren’t as babyish as before, and she could hear the faint traces of his older self. She knew that, if left unchecked, Tommy might remember too much, disrupting the careful regression she had worked so hard to achieve.

Eleanor, with her calm yet firm demeanor, understood what needed to be done. She had to take Tommy back to her house to complete his regression fully. There was only one way to ensure he wouldn't slip back into his old self again.

This time, it was easier than before. Tommy had grown accustomed to being treated like a toddler, and his resistance had nearly faded. When Eleanor invited him to her house once more, he didn't fight. His small body allowed her to guide him through the process, his infantile mind now more pliable than ever.

As she cradled him in her arms, Eleanor began to sing the magical lullaby she had used so many times before. The soothing melody filled the room, and Tommy’s eyelids fluttered. His tiny body relaxed against her. The lullaby worked like a charm, and soon he was drifting off to sleep, nestled in her arms, the last remnants of his toddler self slipping away.

Once he was asleep, Eleanor carefully placed him in the crib, a soft smile playing on her lips. Tommy’s breathing was slow and steady, his body curled up in the crib, looking even smaller than before.

Eleanor knew the magic would take 48 hours to fully set in. She would keep Tommy here, under her watchful eye, ensuring that his transformation into a complete infant would be complete by the time the magic had fully settled.

As she stood there, looking down at him, she could already see the signs of his regression taking hold. Soon, Tommy would forget everything about his past life. He would become just another helpless little baby of Silverbrook, and Eleanor would ensure that this time, there would be no slipping back into his older self.

The countdown had begun, and for Tommy, there was no going back.