Brie only cried more loudly. She was lost in her own misery and embarrassment. She barely noticed Jinny sitting up and climbing over her.
Fumbling in the dark, Jinny felt her way along the wall, where she turned the corner into the hallway. Turning again when she felt the frame to Brie’s doorway, she patted the wall until she found the light switch. Quickly, she snatched a clean diaper from the package in the closet. Moving to the bathroom, she grabbed a washcloth and soaked it. Also grabbing a roll of toilet paper, she returned to the living room.
“Come on Brie.” She called, flicking on the light switch, and moving over to kneel by the towel.
Swallowing her long lost pride, Brie slowly moved herself off the couch. Waddling carefully, so as not to squish the mess against herself, she made her way over to Jinny, and lay down on the towel.
Tears still in her eyes, Brie looked up at Jinny.
“It’s okay baby, don’t worry.” Jinny leaned forward and stroke Brie’s hair. “I’ll take care of it, it’s my job.”
Brie nodded, trying to hold back her tears.
Jinny unfolded the clean diaper and laid it aside.
“I guess I am a baby, huh?” Brie sniffled as she stared into the ceiling.
Jinny realized her mistake. “Oh Brie, I didn’t mean it like that.”
“But it’s true.” Brie whimpered, feeling every slimy ounce of her shame.
“No Brie, listen.” Jinny spoke with her best attempt at reassurance; but Brie replied before she could continue.
“Why!? I’m in a stinky-”
“Because I said so, Brie.” Jinny interrupted with authority. “Babies aren’t the only ones who wear diapers, so don’t be embarrassed if you wear them. Now if you’ll stop acting so much like a baby, I can clean you up, and you won’t feel so bad.”
Brie looked at Jinny, surprised by her tone of voice. A resolute face looked sternly back at her, and Brie lay back on the towel. If there was a lesson to be learned, it was that Jinny was in charge, and should be in charge. The last bastion of her defense lowered; she had to acknowledge Jinny’s superiority and ability. Unable yet, to decide on what she actually wanted, she could at least listen to Jinny’s instruction.
She wasn’t embarrassed by her admission; she didn’t need to act any different; Jinny would make her feel better. Even if Jinny wanted to treat her like a baby, Brie was okay with playing along; she didn’t need a reason. She would listen because Jinny said so.
It was a very convincing argument.