Mommy gave me a new rule...
No sounding like a grown up at home.
When I start talking normally, she gently shushes me and calmly waits for me to understand.
I'm only allowed to talk like a baby.
Only simple words, only if the more difficult letters are slurred, making me think hard before I can say anything complicated.
"I love you" is "I wuv you" from now on.
Sometimes I just give up and babble and point instead.
I cling to her desperately as we walk back inside. She smiles and looks down at me.
"What's wrong, little one?" she asks.
"I didn't wanna leave you," I whine.
"Hmm, 'leave' is a bit too big for you, isn't it?" she says thoughtfully.
I blush and fidget, looking down at my feet. "Didn't wanna weaf you, Mommy," I say softly.
"Maybe we need to make it only one syllable words," she says one day.
I look at her, my eyes wide. My mind races to try to find an excuse, any way to preserve what little maturity I can.
"Buh buh...wanna be able ta say Mommy!" I whine, toddling over and hugging her for added effect.
She smiles with a gentle cruelty, hugging me back. "We'll let you keep 'Mama,' then. You can try a little harder for your most important word."
I sniffle a little, holding back a sob.
"Fank you, Mama," I whisper. And despite everything, I mean it.