Babysitter Dreams

Karen headed off to college that morning. Alice locked the door behind her and the empty house felt larger than ever. She needed company, so she drove straight to Sam’s place. When the door opened, the new babysitter smiled too wide, almost rehearsed. Chloe led Alice through the hall and introduced her “Mistress” as if it were an everyday title. Alice watched the words leave Chloe’s lips and felt the air change. Later, over wine, Sam confessed she and Chloe were sleeping together, offered Alice the agency card that had sent Chloe to her door. A glass shattered in the kitchen before Alice could decide. She slipped the card into her purse and left Sam to handle the mess. On her knees among the shards, Chloe waited, ready for whatever lesson her mistress had in mind.