“I need you to be a good big sister and show her there’s nothing to be afraid of.” Heather said, before clearing her throat. “I was hoping you’d take her with you and-”

Before Heather could finish Danielle threw off the blanket and sat up. “No.” she said flatly. “If you’re suggesting what I think you’re suggesting…”

“I was hoping she’d… follow your example.” Heather said. “Please.”

“Mom, that only works for toddlers! She’s ten! Not really what I had in mind when you said you wanted me to bond with her! I thought you meant I’d be doing her nails or something.”

“And you can. “ Heather said with a grin. “In the bathroom.”

“Then why don’t you, ‘show her there’s nothing to be afraid of’.” Danielle said with air quotes. “You’re her mother now.”

Heather stammered. “Because I’m an adult…and it’s different…it would be…inappropriate. Besides I think it would work best if it was someone around her own age. ”