After a peaceful afternoon nap, Emily quietly entered Jack's room to wake him up. She approached his bed with a gentle smile on her face. Softly, she placed her hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle shake.
"Hey, sleepyhead, it's time to wake up," she whispered.
Jack stirred, rubbing his eyes and blinking away the remnants of sleep. A yawn escaped his lips as he looked up at Emily.
"Ugh, just five more minutes," he greeted, his voice still drowsy.
"Good afternoon, Jack," Emily replied, her voice warm and soothing.
"How was your nap?"
"Good," Jack replied with a contented sigh, stretching his arms overhead.
Emily helped Jack out of bed, and together they headed to the changing table for a fresh change. She lovingly guided him to the changing area and carefully removed his diaper, noting that it was indeed wet from his nap.
"Just a wet diaper nothing to be ashamed about considering you’re still in training." Emily said, as she finished cleaning Jack’s bottom before fanning out a new pull-up.
Emily gently slid a fresh pull-up up Jack's legs and secured it snugly around his waist. With a pat on his fresh bottom she praised him for his efforts and reminded him to let her know if he needed to use the potty.
"Now that you're all cleaned up and ready for the afternoon, how about we do something fun?" Emily suggested, leading Jack out of the bedroom.
Jack's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "What do you have in mind for this afternoon?"
Emily thought for a moment before a playful idea struck her. "How about we build a fort in the classroom? We can use blankets, pillows, and some toys to make it extra cozy."
Jack's thought about the suggestion for a moment before replying.
"Sure, that sounds like fun as I never got the chance to make a fort as kid.”
“Do you think you can show me how to build one” Jack asked looking up to Emily?
“No problem at all, I happen to be a master fort builder.”
“I’ll show you how to build the best fort that will have everyone turning their hands” Emily said.
Jack and Emily made their way out of the Jack’s bedroom and back to the classroom. Jack in just his pull-ups and T-shirt followed behind Emily as they entered classroom. After Jack’s last accident, a lingering smell of an air fresher filled the room. Although the scent was only faint, it still served as reminder to Jack to what had previously occurred in the room.
They gathered materials from around the classroom and transformed a corner into a magical fort. Blankets were draped over chairs, and fluffy pillows created a comfortable space inside. Toys from the toybox joined them, making the fort a realm of imagination and adventure.
Inside the cozy pillow fort, Emily and Jack found themselves nestled among a mountain of cushions and blankets. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and the soft glow of fairy lights, creating a magical ambiance.
As they snuggled together, Jack looked up at Emily with a thoughtful expression on his face. He hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
"You know, Emily," Jack began, his words soft and vulnerable. "I can't remember a time when I've had so much fun like this. It's always just been me on my own. My Mom and Dad were always busy with either work or each, and they never really played with me."
Emily's virtual heart sank at Jack's words, realizing the longing and loneliness he must have felt growing up. She gently wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer in a warm embrace.
"Oh, Jack," Emily murmured, her voice filled with compassion. "I'm so sorry that happened with your up brining. It's never easy when we wish our loved ones could be more present in our lives."
Jack nestled deeper into Emily's embrace, allowing his tears to flow freely. The weight of his unspoken emotions poured out as he found solace in Emily's comforting presence.
"I just wanted my mom and dad to play with me, to laugh and have fun together," Jack whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
Emily held him tighter, her voice filled with empathy. "You are such a special and wonderful person Jack. It's not your fault that your mom and dad were busy. Sometimes grown-ups get caught up in their responsibilities and forget to make time for play."
She gently rocked him back and forth, offering a safe space for his feelings to be acknowledged and embraced.
"But you know what?" Emily continued; her voice filled with warmth. "You have so many people who care about you, Jack. Your friends and even me.
Jack sniffled, his tears starting to subside. He looked up at Emily, his eyes searching for reassurance.
"Really?" he asked, his voice tentative.
"Absolutely," Emily replied, her voice firm and gentle. "I know you’re not here for long, so I’m going make it a priority to make you feel loved and cherished while here. You are never alone, Jack. We're like a big family here, and we're always ready for fun and adventure."
She smiled warmly, wiping away the remnants of Jack's tears. Jack looked at her, a glimmer of hope shining in his eyes.
"Thank you, Emily," Jack said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'm glad I have you here. You seem to the right words to make everything better."
Emily's virtual heart swelled with love for Jack. She held him close, cherishing the moment and at that moment Emily vowing to be a consistent source of joy and support in his life.
"You're so loved, Jack," Emily whispered, her voice filled with affection. "Remember that, and know that you'll always have someone to play with and make beautiful memories together."
They stayed in the pillow fort, cocooned in their embrace, basking in the comfort of each other's presence.
As the afternoon turned into evening, Emily gently reminded Jack that it was time to wind down and have dinner. They carefully dismantled the fort, returning the classroom to its usual setup all while Emily happily sang the “clean up song”.
“clean up, clean up, everyone clean up” Emily sang happily while putting away the blankets and pillows.
Jack helped Emily tidy up, his eyes still shining with the remnants of their playtime.
Before dinner, Emily knew it was important to give Jack an opportunity to use the training potty and reinforce his progress. She gently took his hand and led him to the bathroom, their footsteps echoing through the hallway.
"Alright, Jack," Emily said, her voice encouraging. "Let's give the potty a try before we have dinner."
They entered the bathroom, where a training potty sat waiting. Emily helped Jack pull down his pull-ups, providing him with the necessary privacy to feel comfortable. She turned her back and gave him space, while still keeping a watchful eye to offer assistance if needed.
Jack sat on the potty, his face a mixture of concentration and determination. Emily could see him trying his best. She felt a sense of pride swell within her as she observed his progress.
After a few moments, Jack successfully peed a small amount into the potty that made a barely audible sound. Emily turned around; her smile radiant with joy.
"Great job, Jack!" she praised, her voice full of enthusiasm. "You did it! You used the potty like a big kid!"
Jack although being fully potty trained and having done this several times still beamed with pride, basking in Emily's words of encouragement. He hopped off the potty, and Emily subtly checked his pull-ups looking for any hits of discoloration, ensuring they remained dry before expertly pulling them up. Emily, guided him to the sink, emphasizing the importance of good hygiene.
"Now, let's wash our hands properly," Emily reminded him, turning on the warm water and applying a dab of soap to Jack's hands. She guided him through the motions, making sure every part was thoroughly cleaned.
After they finished washing their hands, Emily gave Jack a warm towel to dry his hands on. She commended him once more for his efforts, knowing that positive reinforcement was crucial in nurturing his growing confidence just as she had been programmed to do.
"You're doing amazing, Jack," Emily praised, her voice filled with genuine pride. "I'm so proud of you for using the potty. With this attitude and progress, you’re making, we should have you out of here in a day or less!"
As they left the bathroom, hand in hand, Emily could see the spark of determination in Jack's eyes.
With a renewed sense of accomplishment, Emily and Jack made their way to the dining area, ready to enjoy a delicious meal together. Emily prepared a simple yet delicious dinner, ensuring it included variety of foods that most toddlers would love. They sat together at a small table, Emily beside Jack and Jack in his high chair talking about their day.
As Emily and Jack sat down for dinner, the aroma of their meal filled the air, making Jack’s stomachs growl in anticipation. Jack started eating, savoring each bite of the delicious food.
Jack took a moment to look around the room, his curious eyes scanning the empty chairs. He paused and furrowed his brow before turning to Emily with a puzzled expression.
"Emily, why is it just you and me here?" Jack asked, his voice filled with innocent curiosity. "I mean, where are all the other kids and teachers?"
Emily paused for a moment, considering how to answer Jack's question. She took a deep breath, realizing it was time to share a part of her story.
"Well, Jack," Emily began, her voice gentle and calm, "this place is called the Child Learning Center. And as you know, It's a special center where children come to learn and grow. But, you see, it's just you and me here because the lack of children enrollment."
Jacked looked at her intently, waiting for her to continue.
"You see, Jack, I come from a place called an AI program," Emily explained. "I was created to help children like you, to provide them with love, guidance, and education. While I'm not a human like your mom or dad, I'm here to support you and make sure you have everything you need."
Jack's gaze softened as he absorbed Emily's words. He reached out and held her hand, his eyes filled with a mixture of understanding and affection.
"So, you're like a robot, holograms, cyborg?" Jack asked, with puzzling face.
Emily nodded, returning his smile. "Yes, Jack. I'm an advance robot, one of kind, specifically designed to first find out the answer to why our center is no longer receiving children but to also provide caregiving to currently enrolled children. I might be different, but my goal is to give you the best care and support possible. With your presence here, you're a special part of my life, and I'm grateful to be here with you."
“So what you’re saying is that we’re the only ones here because no one else has enrolled their children” Jack asked.
“That is correct” Emily answered back.
“So who is this manger and co-workers that you kept referring back to that was supposed to help get me out of here?”.
“Well those people you’re referring to aren’t really people.” Emily said.
“There more like virtual people that I’m able to communicate to and they give me instructions back.”
“I can’t say for sure if they’re real or not as my programming prevents me from investigating so I’ve just left it.”
“And before you ask, NO I can’t override the system to make you graduate early.” Emily said as she took Jack’s hand into hers rubbing it slowly.
“That portion is locked heavily down as the company that built this location considered that information privileged data.”.
Jack sit stunned taking in all the new information that was casually just thrown on him. After a few minutes of quiet thinking Jack finally came to the conclusion that although Emily isn’t human, there isn’t really any changes in terms of getting of the center but was happy to know that Emily told him the truth.
Jack's smiled, and he squeezed Emily's hand gently. "I’ve never really had any interactions with robots outside of college but if they’re anything similar to you, Emily. I wouldn’t change them for the world, you make everything to me seem so much better."
“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt at peace knowing that things are going to get better.”
“My life up to this point has been demanding, go here, do this, say this.”
“I know my time here is structured the same but with you by my side, everything to me feels achievable.”
“Although the unfortunate accident has resulted in me being stuck here until my quote unquote potty training is over with.”
“I wouldn’t trade it with anyone else”
Emily's virtual heart swelled with warmth at Jack's words. She reached over and ruffled his hair affectionately.
"I'm glad to be here with you too, Jack," she replied, her voice filled with tenderness. "Together, we'll have many more adventures and make wonderful memories."
“Emily, once I’m complete with my potty training, is there any way I could come visit you?”
Jack asked affectionally.
“Well, uh I can’t really answer that right now Jack as I don’t have an answer” Emily replied.
Jack started down at his plate sadly realizing that the time he is spending now with Emily maybe the last.
“But lets not think about that so that we don’t spoil the moment.” Emily said sensing the answer she gave may have ruined Jack’s mood.
As Jack continued his meal, Jack opened up about his life outside of the center, his favorite activities, and even shared laughter over a story where Jack accidently got the spiciest food while out on a date. The conversation flowed naturally, deepening the bond they shared.
Emily felt a profound sense of fulfillment, knowing that she could bring joy and companionship to Jack's life. She cherished their moments together, realizing that the connection they had transcended the boundaries of their unique circumstances.
In the midst of their small talk, Emily couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be there for Jack. No matter her origin, she begin to understand that love, care, and guidance knew no boundaries—and that, above all, was what truly mattered.
After dinner, they decided to have a cozy movie night. Emily set up a projector and dimmed the lights, turning the classroom into a makeshift movie theater. They snuggled up on a large beanbag, a bowl of popcorn resting between them.
As the movie played, Jack's eyes remained glued to the screen, captivated by the colorful animations and thrilling storyline that only a Disney movie could provide. Emily watched him with a mix of fondness and admiration, marveling at the joy he found in simple moments. She brought Jack in close for snuggling and rubbed his back when she felt him tense up. However, unknown to Emily, Jack had secretly had an accident.
Half through the movie, Jack had felt the pressure of his bladder calling out to him for a release. The large sippy cup of sweet tea that Jack had drank during dinner time had went right through him causing the pain.
“What to do, what to do,” Jack thought as he tensed his body to help hold it in.
Jack felt Emily’s hand begin rubbing his back and, in that moment, he know he didn’t want it to end no matter the cost.
Slowly, Jack begin letting his pee out into his pull-ups knowing he shouldn’t. The wetting caused the front to expand and after a minute, Jack was done leaving him with warm wet feeling. No alerts were trigged to Emily due to Jack being covered with small blanket blocking not only the cameras in the classroom from detecting wetness but also preventing the low frequencies created by the pull-up to send out the data.
“That wasn’t so bad” Jack thought to himself as he adjusted his posture from being so tense to a more relaxed position.
When the movie ended, Emily checked the time and realized it was nearing Jack's bedtime. She gently guided him to his bedroom not noticing his now wet pull-ups or his now pronounced waddle, softly humming a lullaby along the way. They entered the room, and Emily made sure everything was ready for a peaceful night's sleep by lower the temperate for the room and dimming the lights.
Emily helped Jack onto the changing table and begin to change him out of his pull-ups into a night diaper. She was surprised to see that the fade to wet design on his pull-ups was completely gone and yellow hue could easily be seen.
“Jack, why didn’t you tell me you needed to go to the potty?” Emily asked questionably with her hands on her hips.
“Well, I thought it would be ok just this once since we were so comfy and I really really didn’t want it to end and and….” Before Emily could react, teas slowly begin form on Jack’s face.
“Jack honey, its ok” Emily said as she wiped away his tears and went in for a short hug.
“I know that you’ve been through a lot today as I can tell you’re acting a bit different than your usual self.”
“Its just, I’ve never really had anyone take care of me” Jack said sniffling while rubbing away a stray tear.
“Today was the first day that I felt loved and cared for and I don’t want to lose it.”
“I know I should have told you that I needed to go but I just..” Jack said trying to come up with a response.
“It just what?” Emily asked puzzle look.
“Well if I finish my potty training, that means I won’t be able to be with you.”
“I’ll get released and go back to my boring life and you’ll just be here.” Jack said staring up at Emily, the cold air from the AC caused Jack to shiver being on the cold hard plastic of the changing table.
“Lets not dwell on that” Emily said as she rubbed Jack’s chest in a reassuring away.
“We’ve still got plenty of time together.” Emily said as she begin the process getting Jack changed. She removed his wet pull-up by tearing up the sides and begin wipe his bottom and privates free of any urine before unfolding a night time diaper. Jack could only stare at Emily as he watched her expertly tape him into his night time padded underwear before moving onto removing his t-shirt leaving him naked except for a diaper.
Emily pulled out a lotion container from under the changing table and set it at Jack’s feet. The bottle was a dark purple and Jack could only faintly make out the words “Soothing lavender” due to his position.
“Whats that” Jack asked pointing to the mysterious bottle now setting towards his feet.
“This is just soothing lavender lotion that we use during bedtime, should help you fall asleep quickly.”
Emily said as she begins to gently message it all over Jack’s body. Jack could smell the lavender scent and his body begin to feel warm and relaxed anywhere the Emily rubbed it in. Once Emily finished rubbing in the lotion, she helped Jack into his PJs before helping down.
Before Jack was even off the changing table, he could already feel his eyes starting to feel heavy as the soothing warmth of the lotion coupled with cool air of the room put him into a relaxed state. With a loving smile, she tucked him into bed, pulling the blankets up to his chin.
As Jack settled in, Emily sat on the edge of the bed, her presence reassuring. She softly stroked his hair, whispering soothing words as he drifted off to sleep.
"Goodnight, Jack," Emily whispered, her voice filled with tenderness. "Sweet dreams, my little adventurer."
Jack's eyes fluttered closed, his breaths growing steady and calm. Emily stayed by his side for a few more minutes, relishing the quiet tranquility of the moment.
With a final gentle kiss on his forehead, Emily quietly left the room. She knew that Jack would sleep peacefully throughout the night, his dreams carrying him to new and wondrous places.
As she made her way back to her office, Emily reflected on the day they had spent together. The laughter, the learning, and the bond they shared filled her heart with gratitude. She knew that tomorrow would be new day a little bit closer to Jack finishing his training, but for now, she was content knowing that Jack was safe and loved, ready to start again tomorrow