Page 13 of Daddy's Firm Hand

But the need intensified, refusing to be ignored. Heat crept into my cheeks as embarrassment washed over me. How couldI bring this up without sounding childish or breaking the comfortable atmosphere?

David must have sensed my discomfort. He looked at me, his piercing blue eyes filled with gentle concern. "Babygirl woke up?”

His soft voice coaxed the truth from my lips.

"I... I need to use the restroom," I admitted, barely above a whisper. I braced myself for judgment or annoyance, but found only understanding in his gaze.

"Of course," he replied with a reassuring nod. "Would you prefer to use a diaper for convenience? It's entirely up to you."

The unexpected offer caught me off guard. A diaper? The thought sent a conflicting mix of curiosity and hesitation through me. Was I ready for such a step? The unfamiliar territory felt both intriguing and daunting. I quickly pushed the idea aside, not quite prepared to cross that boundary.

"No, thank you," I said politely, managing a small smile. "I'd rather use the bathroom."

David returned my smile, his expression warm and free of any pressure. "No problem at all. Let me show you the way." He gracefully rose to his feet, extending a hand to help me up.

The bathroom was a revelation, a perfect extension of the nurturing atmosphere David had crafted. Soft lighting cast a warm glow, and plush towels in pastel hues invited me to relax. Even the fragrance, a delicate blend of lavender and vanilla, seemed chosen to soothe my nerves.

As I tended to my needs, I couldn't help but reflect on David's unwavering patience and understanding. His offer of the diaper, while unexpected, came from a place of genuine care. He sought to provide comfort and convenience, leaving the choice entirely in my hands. The thought that he prioritized my well-being, even in such intimate matters, stirred a deep sense of gratitude within me.

Washing my hands, I caught my reflection in the mirror. The woman staring back at me seemed different somehow, her eyes shining with a newfound lightness. The weight of self-doubt and fear had lifted, replaced by a tentative yet growing sense of acceptance. I realized that David's support had given me permission to embrace parts of myself I'd long kept hidden.

Returning to the playroom, David was waiting for me.

“I’m sad to say that our play time for today is at an end.”

I stuck out my lower lip, pouting and angry. “I don’t wanna stop.”

"I know it's hard to leave when you're having a good time," he said gently, his eyes meeting mine with understanding. "But we'll have more sessions like this, I promise."

The sincerity in his words eased the ache in my heart.

"Do we really have to go back already?" I asked, my voice small and tinged with longing. The time had slipped by so quickly, each moment filled with a happiness I'd rarely known.

David's smile was gentle, laced with a touch of playfulness. "I'm afraid so, little one. But remember, you can carry this feeling with you, even when we're apart."

His words were a comforting balm, a reminder that the joy and peace I'd discovered were not confined to these walls. With a nod, I gathered my courage, ready to face the world beyond the playroom door.

Chapter 5

What a difference afew days can make.

Before I started playing with David, everything was gray.

The sky, my clothes, my work. Now, just a few days later, it felt like color had returned to my life with a vengeance.

And with the return of color, the stresses and anxieties of my life were starting to fade away.

It was the weekend, and I was at home, journaling about the positive changes I'd experienced lately. I’d journaled since I was a kid, and I had over twenty neatly completed stored in my memory boxes.

My work performance had improved dramatically, and I approached each task with renewed enthusiasm. I was actuallyenjoyingbeing an accountant. I was starting to see the fun in doing a good job, and the joy that pride in myself could bring.

I was interrupted from my writing by my phone ringing. It was Molly.

“Hey girl,” she said, “You free? I need coffee and I need itnow!”

"Of course!" I replied cheerfully. "Shall we hit Maisie’s?”

“You read my mind. See you in twenty.”

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