Road Not Traveled -- (Author) Okkiey

[llsadmin]

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 9, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Content: Chapter 1
Study and Concern
Terry Adams’s shoulders slumped, a leaden weight she couldn't shrug off. Her eyes, gritty and burning, refused to focus on the textbook open on her desk. She'd been tracing the same lines of text for hours, the words blurring into an incomprehensible tangle. The last exam. One more hurdle, and she was free. But exhaustion, like a heavy cloak, was pulling her down. She pushed back from her desk, the chair scraping against the floor, and stretched, her muscles protesting with soft pops. She looked in her mirror; her five-foot frame seemed to slump back at her. Her blonde hair was a mess, and her eyes were red from hours of reading. Her gaze drifted to the clock: 2:30 AM. More study time was a necessity, a nagging voice in her mind, but her body had already made its decision. She took two steps, then simply collapsed onto her bed, barely pulling a blanket over herself, surrendering to the immediate pull of sleep.

"Honey, it's time to wake up. Come on, sleepyhead."

The voice, gentle yet insistent, was her mother's, Sarah's. But she never woke her up anymore. It was a sound Terry hadn't heard since she was a little girl, a distant memory from days of scraped knees and bedtime stories. A strange tremor of unease ran through her. Slowly, she forced her eyelids open, blinking against the morning light filtering through the blinds. Her mother stood over her, a deep crease of worry etched between her brows.

"Honey, don't get alarmed, but I think you might need to stay home today," her mom began, her voice unusually soft. "I came up when I hadn't seen you leave for class, but... I didn't expect this."

Terry's eyes instinctively dropped. A cold dread seeped into her, chilling her from the inside out. There, stark against the white sheets, was a dark, spreading stain. Her breath hitched. She had wet the bed. The shame hit her like a physical blow, hot and immediate, followed by a wave of disbelief. Not since she was a child, a memory so distant it barely felt real, had this happened. With a gasp, she flung back the wet covers, scrambling out of bed as if the mattress itself was burning. This couldn't be happening. She wasn't a kid anymore.

"Honey, go and jump in the shower," her mom said, her voice surprisingly steady despite the worry lines etched around her eyes. "I'll take care of your bed. Just leave your wet clothes out; I'll handle those today as well. I'll call your professor and let him know."

Terry numbly grabbed a change of clothes, finding a T-shirt and a blue romper. Her mind, still replaying the horrifying discovery and the crushing humiliation, barely registered the warmth of the shower; she kept replaying the scene of her wet bed in her head. After a quick wash, she emerged, quickly drying her hair before pulling on her fresh clothes. As she looked at her reflection, she saw a kid, barely five feet tall, her long blonde hair only adding to her juvenile appearance. A rumble from her stomach, a stark reminder of reality, she headed to the kitchen for breakfast.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 9, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Content: This is my first time writing a long story. I will see if you want to read more. Please let me know. I have about 12 chapters so far, but I am not sure how well you will like it. I utilize an AI program that helps with grammar and spelling. It has helped me with the first few chapters, but it is still my work, not AI-generated. I am not very skilled in writing out my thoughts.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 9, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Content: Chapter 2
Admitted Incident
When Terry stepped into the kitchen, the muffled thump-thump of the washing machine vibrated from down the hall. Her mother stood by the counter, phone pressed to her ear. Terry noticed the slight slump of her shoulders, the persistent furrow between her brows that had been there since breakfast. After a quiet "goodbye," her mother's hand dropped, and she moved with a practiced, almost robotic grace to pour herself a cup of coffee.

Terry grabbed a bowl and cereal, the mundane ritual a small comfort, and settled into her usual spot. Across the table, her mother slid into a chair, her gaze fixed on Terry's face. It felt like an intense examination, a silent struggle playing out in her mother's eyes, a careful search for the right words to deliver news that clearly weighed heavy.

"Terry, honey," her mother began, her voice a soft current, yet with an underlying firmness that caught Terry's attention. "I just spoke with your professor. He thinks you might need to take a break for a bit. He... he mentioned the incident last week."

Terry froze, her spoon suspended halfway to her mouth. A cold knot tightened in her stomach. She knew. She didn't need to look up; the air in the room seemed to thicken, pressing down on her. Her gaze remained fixed on the swirling milk in her cereal bowl, a desperate anchor.

Her mother seemed to gather herself, sensing Terry's retreat. The line of her mouth softened, and her shoulders relaxed slightly. It was a conscious shift, as if she were shedding an old skin. Terry's childhood had been filled with sharp words and stern tones, a mistake her mother now recognized, a love withheld she was trying to reclaim.

"Honey, I'm not mad or upset," her mother continued, her voice now so remarkably gentle, so free of judgment, that Terry slowly, timidly, lifted her head. "Just... a little concerned."

Terry met her mother's eyes. What she saw there wasn't the usual worry, or even frustration. It was a look Terry couldn't quite place, or perhaps hadn't seen in a very, very long time. It was soft, truly tender, brimming with an unmasked caring. It made Terry's throat tighten.

"Your professor told me you had an incident," her mother explained, her voice steady. "You got drenched with some kind of non-toxic but experimental solution. You went to the clinic, but never went back. And you didn't tell me. Why, honey? I know you're almost an adult, but I would have liked to known about it."

Terry swallowed, trying to find her voice, a breath to steady herself. "Well, I never went back because I didn't feel anything weird. I was supposed to report any issues, but the stuff was non-toxic, just something from a plant in Congo. I honestly didn't think it was a big deal, or I would have said something. I was so swamped with studying, I completely forgot about it. Sorry, Mom."

"It's okay, honey." Her mother's expression remained soft, her eyes warm. "Your professor also said that since then, you've been struggling to stay alert in class, almost like you're losing focus. Did you notice any of that?"

Terry sat there, the spoon forgotten in her hand, her mind sifting through recent days. The late-night studying, the heavy eyelids in morning lectures, the way her thoughts sometimes drifted off-course even when she tried to concentrate. She had blamed it on stress, or too little sleep.

"Well, to be honest, I have had a harder time keeping up with my studying," Terry admitted, the words coming out slower than she intended. "I just thought it was stress. You know, nothing out of the ordinary."

Her mother nodded, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Your professor is going to make an appointment with the clinic for you, and I've already had our doctor's office send them your health information. We'll get you checked out, see if it is just stress or something else."

"Mom, what about the course?" A sudden wave of panic washed over Terry, her voice rising. "I needed it to get into the college I wanted!"

"Honey, you have enough credits to graduate," her mother soothed, reaching across the table to briefly cover Terry's hand. "And if you're okay, your professor will help you. But we need to figure out what's going on first. Does that sound okay?"

Terry nodded, the panic receding as she realized the sense in her mother's words. She had to be seen at the clinic. Then another thought surfaced. "Mom, what about your job?"

A small, genuine smile touched her mother's lips. "It's okay, honey. I talked with Sherral and took some time off. I need to be here with you."

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 10, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Content: I hope I did this right. Not used to posting additional chapters. Please let me know if you would still like to see more. This Chapter is long but required for the story.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 10, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Content: I never thought about adding that into the story, but I might have to do that at a later point. Thank you for the advice,

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 12, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Content: Chapter 3

The Clinic and Diagnosis
Terry's mom's cell phone vibrated against her hip, a sudden, jarring buzz that pulled her gaze from the steaming coffee cup. She answered, her voice crisp, "Yes, this is she. What can I do for you? Okay, we'll be there shortly. Thank you." A click, then silence. She turned to Terry, a smile beginning to bloom on her lips, her gaze bright with a clear purpose. "That was the clinic. They'd like to see you as soon as possible. Are you ready to go?"

"Yay, Mom! Let me grab my shoes, and we can get going!" Terry’s voice, usually a calm, low register, now bounced with an uncharacteristic lightness, a stark contrast to the quiet tension that had filled their mornings lately. Her mother watched, a flicker of surprise touching her eyes, as Terry almost skipped toward her room to get her shoes. In her current clothes, her daughter looked more like a 13-year-old than 18.

They were out the door and in the car within minutes. The twenty-minute drive to the campus clinic stretched endlessly for Terry, her stomach a tight knot of apprehension. Each mile marker seemed to crawl by, the passing scenery a blur she barely registered.

As soon as they entered the clinic, a young woman in a vibrant blue nurse's uniform, her name tag reading "Nurse Chelsea," was waiting. A welcoming smile warmed her lips. "Terry, could you and Mrs. Adams come with me, please?" she asked, her voice soft and professional. "Dr. Mitchell wants to see you both."

They followed her down a short hallway into an office. A female doctor, her dark brown hair pulled back neatly, sat behind a desk. Three chairs, plush and inviting, were arranged in the room. "Good morning, Mrs. Adams and Terry. Please take a seat," Dr. Mitchell said, her gaze direct and kind. "Terry, your Professor Drake will be here shortly. He has a few things to let you know about before we go over our findings. I was able to compare your tests with the history your doctor sent to me."

A soft knock echoed through the quiet room, and Professor Drake entered. Terry's mom straightened in her chair, a lingering curiosity in her eyes. He was a very nice-looking man, his eyes warm and crinkling at the corners as he offered a small smile.

"Thank you for making it here, Professor. Please take a seat," Dr. Mitchell invited. "I know you want them to know what the campus dean said."

Professor Drake took the empty seat, his attention immediately on Terry and her mom. "Terry, how are you doing?" he asked first, his tone gentle, observant.

The knot in Terry's stomach tightened further, but she managed a shaky smile. "Fine."

"I'm here to let both of you know that after talking with both the clinic and the campus director, you have passed my class and now have all the credits you wanted," Professor Drake announced. "You did extra work earlier this year and got more than enough without finishing the last exam. We can hold off sending your paperwork to any college until you know what you want to do. Is this agreeable to you both?"

A wave of profound relief washed over Terry. The cold fist in her stomach relaxed, and she felt a deep, calming breath fill her lungs. Sarah, still a little absorbed by the professor's presence, could only manage a quiet nod. Terry's heartfelt "Thank you, Professor!" finally pulled her mom back to the reality of their surroundings.

Dr. Mitchell smiled. "Thank you, Professor, I think that will help them both." He stood, a subtle signal of dismissal, and excused himself. Just as he left, Nurse Chelsea re-entered the office. "Nurse, could you please take Terry to get some blood drawn and to the exam room? I need to talk to her mom for a few minutes, and we'll be with you shortly."

The nurse's smile widened. "Ready to go, sweetie? Your mommy will see you soon." Her voice, pitched high and overly saccharine, addressed Terry as if she were a small child.

Terry got up and followed, almost bouncing in her steps, seemingly oblivious to the condescending tone. But her mom's jaw almost dropped, a flicker of astonishment in her eyes. After the two left, she turned to Dr. Mitchell, her shocked expression still etched on her face.

"First of all, please let me apologize for the incident. A clinic technician was asked to transport several cases of the substance to the laboratory a few doors down. He wasn’t paying attention. Terry told us she was late for class. She tried to stop, but the technician still ran into her, causing her to be covered with the substance.

"Hearing the crash, a few nurses came out and helped your daughter into the clinic. She was cleaned up and examined. Not knowing at the time what the substance was, she was allowed to leave if she kept us informed of any odd feelings. We only heard this morning, and I've been busy looking over your daughter's information and the test results on the substance."

"So, please let me explain what we think is going on with Terry," the doctor said, her voice calm and reassuring. "The substance Terry was exposed to will cause some side effects. It was from a plant found in the Congo of Africa. We found a tribe that uses it to help with memory for older people. We believed it could be a way to slow down dementia and Alzheimer’s in adults and the elderly. It builds pathways and helps connect to our long-term memory. We were trying to isolate the properties and chemicals that help to build them. Your daughter was exposed to them, and they were a concentrated amount. There is a good chance that she will become more childlike over time, but there may also be other things that might happen; I can’t say for certain yet. Are you understanding everything so far?"

Terry's mother processed everything, her brow furrowed in thought. Her daughter had been acting a little slower, but then the memory of last night hit her – Terry wetting the bed, and her almost skipping to get her shoes. This was starting to make sense. "So, does that mean she might be acting like a kid again?" Terry's mother asked, her voice hushed with dawning realization.

Dr. Mitchell let out a sigh, a slight weight to it. "Right now, not a kid, but she will act younger until reaching toddler or infant stages. We don't know, as we were working on it for seniors, not teens or young adults. She might still have a few times when she is acting and behaving like her right age, but her professor noticed she was losing more focus as time progressed. My hope is that now, as she has her classes behind her, she might not have the stress that could cause her to speed up her mental stage, causing her to get younger."

"Also, if there is anything that you might need, medically or otherwise, please contact me or Nurse Chelsea. We will cover any cost required, as this happened at the campus. I am very sorry, and it appears you were not told what happened until you called the professor about Terry not being able to go to class."

Terry's mom sighed, a deep, weary sound. "You are correct. Terry tries not to anger me and thinks she's an adult and handles everything on her own. When she was little, I was always mad at her father and took it out on Terry. We lost him several years ago due to cancer, and even though I have had counseling and don’t get angry easily, Terry is very cautious not to get me upset. I wish I could undo what I did."

"There's something I need to tell you, Doctor," Mrs. Adams began, her voice tight with a worry she hadn't dared voice to the professor. "Terry wet her bed last night. She hasn't done that in years, not since her past medical condition. Is this something we should expect to be regular now?"

The doctor's expression turned graver, her lips pressing into a thin line, and she gave a slow, deliberate nod, confirming Mrs. Adams's fears. "That was a concern I was about to bring up. Given her medical history, her wetting and perhaps even soiling herself might become common again. This substance seems to be interacting with some of her past conditions. Her body might regress in ways we don't yet understand." She paused, then continued, "I'll ask Nurse Chelsea to get you some pull-ups and diapers, along with some clothes for Terry. Since Terry is on the small side, some of the toddler clothes we have might even fit her. Chelsea can drop them off later today; she lives close to you."

"I'm also hoping you'll let us continue to monitor Terry's condition. We're very hopeful we can find a solution to help both of you with conditions that were caused by one of the departments here on campus. And if you need counseling or someone to talk to, you can reach out here. Even Terry’s professor is a specialist who helps us out, as he's a psychiatrist."

"Now, let's go check on Terry, shall we?" The doctor stood, moving towards the door. Mrs. Adams followed, her heart heavy with a growing sense of dread.

They walked a few doors down, and Dr. Mitchell knocked before entering. Mrs. Adams stepped in after her, her gaze immediately drawn to Terry, who sat contentedly on the nurse’s lap. A bright lollipop was stuck in her mouth, and a small band-aid covered the crook of her arm where blood had been drawn.

"Terry was getting a bit fussy, so I put her on my lap and gave her a lollipop. Hope you don't mind," the nurse offered with a gentle smile.

"That's fine," Mrs. Adams managed, though a pang of disbelief hit her. Her 18-year-old daughter, acting so immature, rarely ate lollipops anymore. This was likely just one of many bewildering changes to come.

Dr. Mitchell offered a warm smile. "Well, Terry, are you ready to go home with your mommy?" Terry simply nodded, a happy smile spreading across her face around the lollipop.

"We'll walk you to your car," Dr. Mitchell said as they started down the hall towards the clinic's exit. Terry held the nurse's hand, happily chattering away. Dr. Mitchell, however, had one more important thing to tell Sarah.

"I know it might seem strange, us talking to Terry as if she's a little kid," Dr. Mitchell began, "but as you can see, she'll be acting like this more and more. She'll still have moments when she acts older, but she will regress and talk younger, or maybe not talk at all. We'll have to play it by ear right now."

When they reached the car, the nurse helped Terry buckle into the back seat. Sarah said goodbye to Dr. Mitchell, and they agreed to keep in close touch, waiting to see where Terry's condition would lead them next.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 12, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Content: This is a longer chapter. I hope you all like it.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 13, 2025 at 12:48 AM
Content:

bshn said:

I love it really good with the explanation

[End of quote]

Thank you for the inspiration to add the explanation. I forgot and had to add it.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 14, 2025 at 1:52 AM
Content: Chapter 5

Lunch

Sarah, opting for efficiency over culinary flair, quickly assembled two ham and cheese sandwiches. She added sodas and chips to the table, setting the scene for a quick lunch. Across from her, Terry sat at the kitchen table, her brow still furrowed, a faint tremor in her hands. Her thoughts felt sluggish, like wading through deep mud. A tremor of dread tightened in her stomach. She didn't want to act younger, didn't want the indignity of accidents. She'd been treated like a kid most of her teenage years because of her shortness, but now, to actually behave like one...

Her spiraling thoughts vanished the moment her mom placed a sandwich in front of her. Suddenly, the world narrowed to the colorful plate, the crinkle of the chip bag. All that mattered was the delicious scent of ham and cheese.

Sarah watched as her daughter’s face transformed. The deep lines of thought smoothed away, replaced by a sudden, pure happiness. Terry’s eyes, usually a thoughtful brown, grew huge, round and gleaming as she looked at the sandwich, the chips, and the glass of soda. A wide, uninhibited grin, stretching from ear to ear, spread across her face.

"Tank you, Mummy," Terry mumbled, her voice surprisingly high-pitched and soft. She used both hands to pick up the sandwich, her small fingers struggling to encompass its breadth, and took a huge, ungraceful bite.

Sarah observed the change, a stark contrast painting itself before her eyes. One moment, a teenager wrestling with complex thoughts; the next, a small child delighting in food. Terry devoured her sandwich and chips, eating with such abandon that she almost toppled her glass of soda, a sticky ring forming on the table. Sarah mentally pictured a small, embroidered duck bib. She'd definitely need to retrieve one if mealtimes were going to continue this way.

Terry finished her food quickly, the last chip crumbs wiped from her lips with the back of her hand. With her belly comfortably full, a familiar heaviness settled behind her eyes, tugging them closed. Why sleepy? Me want play! the thought formed, clear and insistent, within her mind.

Sarah, her own sandwich still half-eaten, gently scooped up her daughter. Terry offered no resistance, a pliant weight in her arms. She carried her to her bed and, before her head even hit the pillow, Terry was deeply asleep, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Sarah heard the light, even breathing as she tucked a blanket around her. She slipped out to the garage, retrieved the baby monitor – its plastic casing warm from years in storage – and clicked it on, testing the faint static crackle. She silently placed the receiver in Terry's room. For a second, she watched as Terry stirred, her head turning. Then, her thumb found her mouth, and she began to suckle, a soft, rhythmic sound filling the quiet. This wasn't entirely new; Sarah had caught glimpses of Terry doing this several times as a teen when stressed or deeply asleep. But now, she wondered if it would become more visible, perhaps even when Terry was awake.

Sarah crept out, the monitor receiver clipped to her hip, its small light a reassuring glow. If Terry stirred, the tiny sounds would reach her. She went back to finish her lunch, the remnants of her sandwich a cold reminder of the interrupted meal, and cleaned the kitchen. Her next task awaited, hopefully before Terry woke up, though that might be difficult depending on how old Terry was upon waking, a thought that brought a fresh wave of uncertainty.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 14, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Content: Here is the next Chapter.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 15, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Content: Chapter 6

Memories & Discoveries

Sarah's fingers practically itched to open the boxes. A bubbling anticipation, almost giddy, hummed beneath her skin as she practically floated towards the garage. Sorting through Terry's old toys and clothes had been a quiet longing for years, a bittersweet hope for one more look before they were discarded or sold. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined Terry might actually use them again. More boxes awaited in the storeroom, but these few would be enough to keep her busy.

The first box yielded clothes Terry might have outgrown, but as Sarah dug deeper, her fingers brushed against something soft and familiar: the cloth training pants. Faded but still soft, they looked big enough. At the bottom, a stack of brightly colored rompers, almost pristine, made Sarah's throat tighten. These, too, would fit. Lastly, a few of Terry's bibs, a bit small perhaps, were added to a growing pile for the wash.

The next box offered a jumble of toys. A cracked plastic rattle lay tangled with a plush giraffe missing an eye. They seemed too broken, too babyish for even a regressed Terry. Sarah quickly tossed the damaged ones, setting aside the rest for cleaning. She saw it then, sharp and clear: a fleeting vision of Terry on her bedroom floor, surrounded by brightly colored blocks, a diaper peeking out from under a romper, babbling softly to herself. Sarah pushed the image away, forcing her focus back to the task at hand. Present, not future, she reminded herself.

She opened the last box. The very first item made Sarah stop cold, her breath catching in her throat. It was Terry’s favorite stuffed Teddy. Terry had been inconsolable when she thought she’d lost it, a gift from her father when she was sick, a constant companion she’d carried everywhere, cherished above all else. At thirteen, a cruel boy's taunts of "baby" had prompted Terry to throw him out, only to weep with regret later, especially after her father was gone. But here he was, tucked neatly inside a plastic bag, looking pristine. A small, folded note lay beside him.

Sarah’s hand trembled as she reached for the note. As her eyes fell upon the familiar, sprawling loops of her husband's handwriting, tears welled instantly, blurring the ink before she even read a word.

“My dear little Terry, I found Mr. Bear and gave him a bath. I know that you were upset, but please don’t take it out on Mr. Bear. Remember, your Daddy and Mommy love you so very much. You can do anything with your Mr. Bear by your side. Love, Your Daddy Bear”

A fresh wave of grief, hot and unexpected, washed over Sarah. Her husband, even then, had understood their daughter so completely. He had found Terry's bear, cleaned it, knowing she would need it later, knowing the comfort it held. Sarah carefully took Mr. Bear out of the bag, her fingers brushing his soft fur, and placed him lovingly in the chair beside her. She knew, with a certainty that settled deep in her soul, that he would make Terry happy, no matter how old she was.

She found a few photo books she wanted to keep out, their pages a silent testament to years gone by. Then, from the next room, a faint, plaintive cry cut through the quiet: “Mommy, I sowy!”

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 15, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Content: Had two chapter 4's. Now they are fixed. Hope you enjoy some more of the story.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 15, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Content: Chapter 7
Terry and Mr. Bear
A desperate, muffled sob drew Sarah to Terry's room. Her gaze landed on the dark, spreading stain on the sheets, and understanding. "Mommy, I swry, pwease no yew. I sowy, pwease no yew," Terry babbled, her words thick with panic, her small body shaking violently. Sarah rushed over, pulling a clean blanket from the nearby dresser, and wrapped Terry in its soft folds. Then, grabbing some clean clothes, she scooped Terry into her arms. Terry didn't utter another word, but her face remained buried against Sarah's shoulder, her small body shaking with quiet, heartbroken sobs.

Her mother carried her into the bathroom, the humid air wrapping around them. Looking at her daughter’s distressed mental state, Sarah turned on the faucet, the sound of rushing water a gentle counterpoint to Terry's fading whimpers. Sarah hugged Terry close. "It's okay, sweet pea. Mommy knows you’re sorry. Now, let’s get you cleaned up. Mommy’s not upset about a wet bed." Terry slowly began to unclench, her small fists relaxing against Sarah's top, as her mother gently undressed her and eased her into the nice warm bath.

Sarah's movements around the tub felt a little clumsy, her hands unsure of how best to manage a child this size, but soon Terry was giggling, sending splashes of water arcing into the air as her mommy cleaned her. By the end, Sarah was splattered and soaked, strands of wet hair plastered to her forehead, but a determined smile remained fixed on her face, her voice never wavering from its cheerful, encouraging cadence. Soon, she took Terry, all clean, out of the tub and set her down on some big, fluffy towels.

She gently blotted Terry's small body dry, then combed her long, damp hair until it gleamed. She dressed Terry quickly in a comfortable T-shirt and shorts. Grabbing a few hair ties from the counter, she gathered Terry’s hair into two long pigtails, the rubber bands snapping into place with a satisfying pop. Sarah picked up Terry, settling her on her hip, and carried her to the mirror. Terry giggled, bouncing lightly on her mommy’s hip, "Mommy and Tewy!"

She took Terry into the living room and placed her gently on the carpet, a plush island in the center of the room.

“Terry, Mommy needs to get dry and changed. Can you stay on the floor and watch cartoons?”

Terry’s eyes lit up like twin lamps, her face bright with happiness. "Want cartoons?"

Sarah found some baby shows, and Terry was soon engrossed, her eyes glued to the TV, a small smile playing on her lips, her body swaying slightly to the rhythm of the theme song. Sarah changed in a few minutes, pulling on fresh clothes. When she came back, Terry sat hunched on the carpet, her shoulders rounded, her head bowed, her face a bright, mortified pink.

Sarah rushed to her daughter, dropping to her knees beside her. “Terry, what’s wrong?” Terry spoke in her grown-up voice, the childish lilt gone, replaced by raw shame. "You saw me naked! You had to wash me! I'm so embarrassed! Why did I act like a baby, Mom? What is wrong with me? I remember everything this last time."

Sarah saw fresh tears welling in her daughter’s eyes, trembling on her lower lids, threatening to spill. “Honey, it's okay,” she whispered, pulling Terry into a fierce, comforting hug. “I know you didn’t ask for this, but I am here with you. Always.”

Terry leaned into the embrace, her small body shaking against Sarah's. His memory pulled at a raw, aching place in her chest. “I know, Mom. I also wish Dad was still with us. He made you mad sometimes, but he had a special way to make me feel better. I miss him.”

“Honey, I need to get something from the kitchen. Are you going to be okay for a second?”

Terry nodded, a small, choked sound escaping her throat, tears still streaming down her face. Her mom was gone a few minutes, and when she came back, something bulky was tucked in her arms. When Sarah placed it in Terry’s embrace, Terry gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. “Mr. Bear! Mom, where did you find him? Is it really him? Where was he?” New tears, hot and bright with joy, streamed down Terry's face as she hugged her Mr. Bear, clutching him so tight her knuckles whitened.

“Your dad found him after you thought you’d lost him,” Sarah explained, her voice thick with unshed emotion. “I found a note; let me read it to you.” As Terry listened, silent tears tracked paths down her cheeks again, a mix of sorrow for the past and profound love for the present. She never knew that her dad had found her Mr. Bear and kept him safe. Terry buried her face in Mr. Bear's soft fur, clinging to him as if he were a lifeline. A warmth spread through her, settling deep in her chest. For the first time in years, her dad felt truly, tangibly with her. With Mr. Bear by her side, she felt a surprising surge of strength, capable of facing anything.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 15, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Content: Please let me know if you would like to read more or if you would like it to stop here.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 15, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Content: Chapter 8
Get Supplies
“Hey, sweetie, I have to get your room, and the bathroom cleaned up. Will you be okay? Do you want to sit on the couch or have the remote?”

Terry wanted the remote, and she wanted to be a big girl on the couch, but the carpet felt nice and soft. What if she got upset and lost the remote? Would Mom get mad? Maybe she could ask, but she felt a little embarrassed.

Terry, looking a bit bashful, asked, “Mom, is it okay if I stay here on the carpet?”

Sarah smiled. “Yes, dear, that is fine. Do you want the remote?”

Terry, still acting bashful, replied, “Could you keep it, but please change it to older cartoons? I might lose it.”

Sarah noticed that Terry was trying to keep her older age under control, but she also admitted she might lose the controller. She was very proud of her daughter for thinking ahead.

“Sure, honey, let’s find you some cartoons.” Sarah found some cartoons, and Terry smiled, holding Mr. Bear.

Sarah grabbed the wet bed sheets and wet clothes and got ready to start the washer, but then she stopped. She grabbed a bib and a pair of training pants and threw them into the washer as well. She might need those tonight.

The clothes and sheets from that morning were done, so after the bed was wiped down and dry, the bed was remade. She also opened up her daughter’s window to get some air in the room. Her daughter never liked to air out her room, but today was nice.

Sarah was just getting back to the living room when there was a knock at the door. Sarah looked at her daughter, knowing she would have to get to the door. Terry had the look she had when she was twelve and was lost watching cartoons. You had to turn off the TV to get her attention.

Sarah opened it and saw the nurse from the clinic standing there with boxes in her arms.

“Chelsea, I am so sorry! I forgot you were coming. Please, come in.”

Chelsea walked in and asked where Terry’s room was. Terry’s mom lost no time and led her to her daughter’s room.

“So,” Chelsea said, “I was asked to get you some supplies. I brought you some pull-ups in Terry’s size and, just in case, a case of diapers. I also found some cute onesies that Terry could fit into and a few overall shorts.”

The two went through the boxes, with Nurse Chelsea taking the lead. They took most of Terry’s underwear and replaced them with pull-ups. They found a nearly empty shelf close to Terry’s dresser. They cleared the shelf and stacked diapers on it. There were a few supplies if needed for diapering.

When Chelsea showed Sarah the onesies, she was overjoyed. They looked so babyish, but they would have been so much easier to put Terry in after her bath. There was a cute pink one with lace around the arms, a pastel blue one that had “Baby Girl” embroidered on the front, and a few pastel ones that had different baby toy prints on them. The overall shorts were in pretty pastel color.

Chelsea went to Terry’s closet. “Let’s take out some of these big-girl clothes and replace them with the onesies. I have some more on order. We can get them for people who have kids with special needs.”

As Sarah helped, the reality of this was setting in. Chelsea knew Sarah needed a break and maybe some advice. “Hey, I think we are done here. Let’s get some fresh air.”

Sarah liked the idea, but she had a better one. “I have some iced tea in the fridge. Would you like to join me in the kitchen for a glass?”

Chelsea loved the idea, and off they went.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 15, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Content: As requested, here is the next chapter. Hope you enjoy.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 19, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Content: Chapter 9
Chelsea’s talks with Sarah.
They walked past Terry, who was oblivious to them, still in her trance watching TV. Chelsea noticed the bear Terry held. She made a mental note and followed Sarah into the kitchen.

Sarah poured each of them a glass and put the pitcher on the table. After a little small talk, Chelsea knew she had to start asking questions.

“So, how is it going since this morning? I know you've only had a partial day, but how was it?” Sarah, seeing the look on Chelsea’s face, knew she was asking for a truthful answer. Chelsea reached out and placed her hand on Sarah’s. “As a friend, please tell me how you are doing.”

Sarah, feeling Chelsea’s warmth and concern, told her everything that had happened over the last several hours: how Terry was a child, then took a nap, was older again, became a kid, took a nap, wet the bed, was a toddler, then grew older again, and was now a young teen. She recounted everything that happened, but then Sarah remembered a piece she forgot to tell.

“Terry had no memory of what happened at the clinic until I mentioned lollipops. Then she said she thought it was just a dream, but it was real.”

Chelsea took a deep breath. “Well, that might be a side effect when she first starts to age shift. Your daughter seems to shift in and out of ages right now. She seems fine once rested, but if something changes, she can shift to be younger. Her wetting the bed will be more regular now. Her blood test showed that she is regressing physically. We know it is affecting her bladder and soon her bowels. We don’t know what else might be affected by the regression. You can use the pull-ups for naps and daytime if needed, but when it starts to happen regularly, use the diapers. If the regression stops, she could relearn how to use the bathroom.”

“I also think that you both might want to have Professor Drake stop by and talk with both of you. I know you’ve had some counseling in the past, and both of you still lost someone you loved. Terry and her bear are a sign that she never worked through it. He can also make sure you both are in a good mental space. Terry could regress back into an infant, and you might get burnt out by being a single mother. I am not saying this to hurt you; I am saying it to help keep you two healthy.”

“I also know someone who can babysit. You will need to work, and there will be nights you might want to go out and date someone or just go out. Terry will need to get exercise and still socialize somehow. Please let me know; she works with special needs kids, and Terry is a special needs kid now.”

Sarah was taking this all in. She would have lost her cool long ago, but after today, she just let Chelsea speak. She knew this was going to be a long, hard road. They could use any help offered right now. This was a road that had never been taken before.

“So, if you need any more supplies, please let me know. I will bring more clothes over once they are ready. We have a person who can make special clothes. If you would like, I can get you a crib, or a changing table, highchair, playpen, or stroller. Anything you might need.”

Chelsea stopped her thoughts for a second and remembered what Sarah told her about lunch and leaving Terry alone when she got changed.

“Mrs. Adams, would you be upset if just my team and I come in tomorrow? If you are having Terry do this more often, you might want those things now, not later. Terry might wander off or have an accident when she shifts younger.”

Sarah sighed. She knew that she needed help. “Fine, but please call me Sarah, and why don’t we come up with a better saying than 'shift'? She sounds like a car.”

Chelsea chuckled. “Okay, I will call you Sarah if you call me Ann. That is what my friends call me, and it’s my middle name. How about we call Terry by the size she acts? I have a friend that works for a group that takes care of 'littles.' So, we can call her baby Terry, little, middle, and big when she acts like her old self.”

Sarah liked the sound of that. It made a lot of sense and was easier to understand and remember.

Chelsea stood up. “So, I will let you know in the morning when the crew will show up. You might want to make sure Terry is up and either in the living room or kitchen. Her bedroom will be totally redone, but don’t worry, we won’t destroy or toss anything.”

Chelsea walked to the door, but before leaving, she stopped by the living room. “See you later, Terry.” Terry waved her hand, not really caring to speak.

Sarah waved goodbye to her new friend. Now she had to get Terry’s attention so they could get supper.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 19, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Content: Please let me know what your thoughts are about this chapter.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 19, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Content: Chapter 10
Movie Night
Sarah walked into the living room. “Hey, sweetie, we need to talk.”

Terry wasn't paying attention; her full focus was on the TV. Sarah, who still had the remote, turned off the television. Terry blinked a few times and shook her head. She turned and saw her mom, still sitting on the carpet, then simply turned around to face her. “Sorry, Mom, I was zoned out. Did I hear someone else was here?”

Sarah sighed and decided to get down on the floor to talk with Terry. She was "Big" again. “Yes, the nurse came by and dropped off a few items to help with your condition. She said that a group of them will be by tomorrow to get the house reset.”

Terry’s eyes fell to the floor. She knew this was going to happen. She wasn't in control right now, but she was hoping to be soon. “It’s because I can act like a baby, right?” She didn't need an answer. She knew that she could be in danger now that she couldn't control how she acted.

“Yes, honey, that is right. I know you are trying, but if you start pulling or running around and I can’t stop you, you could get hurt.”

Terry nodded. She knew this could happen, but this fast? She had only been having slight issues, but only today had her mood changed so drastically. Maybe her stress had something to do with it.

“Terry, we need to figure out what to do for supper. It’s almost 6:30, and we might try getting back to your bedtime at 8:00, like when you were little. I know you might protest, but until we get this under control, we need to set up a schedule.”

Terry did want to protest, but she again knew it was for her own good. Besides, tonight she felt tired anyway. She had a few naps, but she really needed some sleep.

“Fine, Mom, we can try but understand that I might complain later on.”

Sarah chuckled and playfully pulled on her daughter’s pigtails. Terry laughed, being teased like she was when she was little.

Sarah had an idea. “How about I order us a pizza, and we watch one of the Disney movies like we used to?”

They hadn’t done that in years, not since before they lost Terry’s dad. She actually loved the idea.

“We’ll order a pizza, and then we’ll get you ready for bed. You can stay up and watch it with me, then you can go straight to bed.”

Terry loved the idea. After a quick debate on pepperoni or plain cheese pizza, the order was placed, and both girls raced into Terry’s room. But Terry wasn't in for the few changes. Why were there diapers on her shelves? She went to her underwear drawer. Why were there pull-ups in there? She almost felt herself slipping; she wanted to act out, cry, throw a tantrum, but she fought and calmed herself.

Sarah watched as her daughter went through the motions, almost losing it. She was surprised her daughter was fighting her emotions and hanging on for now.

“Honey, when the nurse came with supplies, we had to put them somewhere. You knew that wetting the bed could get worse. They are afraid it will get worse.”

Terry slumped in defeat. Her mom came in and pulled out a pull-up and grabbed a pair of pjs. “Okay, honey, do you want help, or can you do this by yourself?”

Terry finally lost it, and she got younger. “Can you pwease hewp, mommy?” came a small voice.

Sarah had her daughter out of her clothes and into her night clothes fast. She picked her up and carried her downstairs, placing her on the couch.

The pizza showed up a few minutes later, and Terry was just returning to her “big” self.

“Sorry, Mom, I lost it for a minute,” Terry said, red-faced. She was so embarrassed again. She was a big girl, not a little girl. She feels so vulnerable and helpless when she acts younger.

Her mom grabbed some plates and cups with straws. She didn’t want any close calls like at lunch earlier. Terry ate some pizza and was soon snuggled next to Mommy on the couch. She had Mr. Bear, and she could feel herself feeling younger but still watching her movie until Terry fell asleep.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 19, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Content: Here is the next chapter. I do appreciate the feedback from everyone. Thank you.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 24, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Content: Chapter 11
Crying at night
Terry was fast asleep before the movie ended. Her mother picked her up, along with Mr. Bear, and carried her to her bed. As Sarah tucked Terry in, she saw Terry instinctively put her thumb in her mouth and begin to suck it. She was still asleep, but Sarah knew she might soon have to find a remedy for that. Sarah closed and locked Terry’s window, made sure the baby monitor was on, and slowly crept out. She went to the living room and cleaned up the night's festivities, took care of the leftover pizza, and then went to bed. She had the receiver for the monitor on her nightstand so if anything happened, she would hear it.

“WAAAAA! WAAAA!” A loud cry came through the baby monitor, and Sarah jumped from fright and panic to check on her daughter. She entered her daughter’s room, and Terry kept crying. She cried like a baby, and Sarah picked her up and quickly found out why. Poor Terry had drunk too much and wet through her pull-up. Sarah quickly wrapped Terry in a dry blanket, grabbed a diaper, a few products, and a onesie. She took Terry and went back into her own room; the wet bed could wait till morning.

Sarah laid her crying daughter on her bed and removed her wet clothes, then cleaned her up. Terry put her thumb in her mouth and just whimpered. Her mom was a little slow, but soon her daughter was in a diaper, and after some coaxing, the onesie was put on her. Sarah laid her daughter right next to her, and soon both were sound asleep.

Sarah awoke around seven, which was late for her; she was usually up by five. She looked next to her and saw her daughter sound asleep. The night's scene came rushing back to Sarah: how her daughter cried and was wet. She'd changed her, and they'd both gone back to bed. Sarah, wanting her cup of coffee, slowly climbed out of bed. She was just in her nightshirt when her phone vibrated. She looked at the number. It was work.

“Hey, Sherrel, I was just about to call you. I need to take a week off from work. Something has come up with Terry, and I need to be with her. Thanks, bye.”

She had the vacation time saved to take off, but she knew her boss was not going to like it. She went to her coffee maker and looked at it. She'd forgotten to get it ready last night. She set up the coffee and went to survey her daughter's bed. Indeed, the sheets and blankets were wet. She stripped the bed and put them in the wash. She was about to get a clean set when she remembered that the group was coming.

She walked back into Terry’s room and grabbed a few diapers and another onesie. She knew Terry wasn’t going to like being in diapers, but with a group coming, the bathrooms might be busy. She chuckled to herself. She almost envied her daughter; she might wish she had one on before the day was done. She also grabbed Mr. Bear.

Her phone vibrated again. “Hello? Hi, Sher— I mean, Ann. How are you this morning? I’m up, but Terry’s still asleep. You’ll be here by 10:00? That should be fine. Terry’s asleep in my room, so even if she is still asleep, that should be fine. See you then.”

Sarah grabbed her cup of coffee for a quick sip. She had just barely swallowed before she heard her daughter calling. “Mommy, where are you?”

“I'm coming, sweetie!” Sarah called back.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jun 24, 2025 at 12:38 AM
Content: Here is another chapter, I hope you all can enjoy.

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jul 5, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Content: Chapter 12
Morning Talk
Terry awoke, a fuzzy haze clouding her mind. Before her eyes even opened, she called out, "Mommy, where are you?" Her body felt strange, her clothes unfamiliar. She lifted her hands, feeling the soft fabric of her shirt. Why didn't her PJs ever feel this soft?

She shifted, and then she felt it—something around her waist. Her eyes snapped open. "Oh no, I didn't have an accident again, did I?" She sat upright, realizing she was in her mom's room.

Sarah had just walked in, intending to check on her daughter. She paused at the doorway, watching the scene unfold as Terry slowly discovered her predicament.

Terry spotted her mom at the door, then looked down at her clothes: a diaper. Why was she in a diaper? A whimper escaped her, quickly turning into sobs. Why was she crying? She knew she might be wet. Terry’s mind struggled, trying to make sense of everything.

Sarah walked over, a soft smile on her face. She sat on the bed and gently pulled Terry into her lap, rocking her just like she used to when Terry was a little girl. Terry felt safe, loved in her mom's embrace. She felt herself calming, her head slowly clearing, allowing her to think.

"Sorry, Mommy, I was scared," Terry murmured. She knew she should say "Mom," but "Mommy" felt so right. Then, memories of her episode from last night began to surface.

"Are you alright, sweetie? Do you want to talk about anything?" Sarah asked, continuing to rock her daughter, feeling Terry's body relax against hers.

"Well, I'm sorry about last night," Terry began, knowing she had to explain. "I felt wet and cold, so uncomfortable. I didn't know how to get you, so I just... cried. Not really knowing why, just instinct. I saw you, but I couldn't articulate anything. Then I felt so warm and safe. I fell asleep with you next to me."

Terry stopped, a little embarrassed, though no blush crept up her face. She knew this was going to happen. Right now, she felt happy. Then, she felt something wiggle in and out of her diaper.

"Well, honey, at least you aren't wet yet," Sarah said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Now Terry's face flushed crimson. Her mom had just checked her diaper as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

A question had been nagging at Terry. Her voice barely a whisper, she asked, "Mommy, why am I wearing a diaper and a onesie?" She actually didn't mind them; they felt nice. But she knew she should have been in pull-ups.

Sarah continued rocking her daughter, her voice full of love. "Last night, I just grabbed these, not knowing if you were going to flood another pull-up. I grabbed a diaper and a onesie for ease. If you wet, you should be fine. I also need to let you know we have people coming today, and to be safe, you'll be in diapers."

Terry wasn't sure if she should protest. Her adult self was upset, but this felt... right. She had accidents every time she fell asleep. What if she couldn't make it to the toilet because someone else was using it today?

Sarah whispered into her daughter's ear, "I'm jealous. I wish I could be little, in a diaper today. I might be the one in trouble."

Terry giggled, unable to help picturing her mommy in a diaper. Then, she blurted out, "Do you mind if I keep calling you Mommy? It feels better than Mom." Terry braced herself, terrified her mom might be angry.

Sarah chuckled softly. "That's fine, honey. To be honest, I missed you calling me Mommy when you got older."

Terry breathed a sigh of relief. She was so glad she asked. She closed her eyes, almost drifting off again, until Mommy spoke.

"How about some breakfast for Mommy and Terry?"

Terry's eyes popped open. "YUMMY!

############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################
Author: Okkiey
Timestamp: Jul 5, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Content: Here is the next chapter. It might be a bit before the next chapter as I might not be on the internet for a bit. There have been a few issues, and right now I am looking for a new company. There are still areas where there are no easy ways to get internet.