Page 16 of King

King:So what makes you happy, dollface?

A pause. Then?—

Ella: Lots of things.

King:Like? I want to know you, Little one.

Another pause.

Ella:Coloring. Soft blankets. Bubble baths. Stuffies. Movies.

King’s chest tightened slightly.

King: That so?

Ella: …Yes?

He could almosthearthe uncertainty in her response, the nervous energy behind it.

He decided to push—just a bit.

King:What else do you like to do when you’re in Little Space?

This time, the pause was longer. King waited, watching the screen, knowing she was debating how much to say.

When her response finally came, it was hesitant but honest.

Ella:I don’t really… I mean, I never really called it that before. I don’t know if I really have Little Space.

King: You do.

Ella:…How do you know?

King:Because I see you, dollface.

No response.

King didn’t push.

A few minutes later, his phone finally buzzed again.

Ella:I like to color. And build puzzles. And drink from cute cups with those spouts. And I like soft things. And sometimes, I just like to be small.

King exhaled slowly, something settling deep in his chest.

King:That’s good, baby. You should get to feel small whenever you need to.

Another long pause.

Ella: Baby?

King: Yeah.

Ella:…I don’t hate it.

King: Good.

SEVEN

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