I had recruited a babysitter to help me because I was a working mother without family support. A number of acquaintances had strongly suggested Anna, a composed student. She held a first aid certification and was an expert in early childhood education. At first, everything appeared to be ideal.
However, I was taken aback one day when I got home an hour earlier than I had anticipated. 😯
There was an unusual hush when I opened the door. There was a quiet in the living room that was unusual for two small children. There were toys all over the place and an old cartoon on TV, but I couldn’t hear any play, laughter, or sobbing. A heavy hush, please. 😯
The dog’s cage, which we use for Bruno when he gets too enthusiastic during our guests’ visits, was then visible to me. However, it wasn’t the dog inside this time.
It was Ellie, my daughter. 😯 As if the cage were a shoddy fort, they sat cross-legged. She looked as though she had been crying since her cheeks were red and puffy. Beside her, barefoot, her twin brother stood still.
Unable to process what I was witnessing, I stood motionless. “What’s happening here?” I let out a yell.
With her head deep in her phone, Anna looked up and responded coolly, as like nothing had happened. 😯 She stated something so astounding that I was at a loss for words. 😯
Anna calmly said, “Oh, they were playing zoo,” looking up. Her goal was to become the tiger.
Ellie, who was shaking, said to me, “She shut the door, mommy,” when I walked up to her. I said that I was done playing.
I felt a chill go through me. This was blatant negligence, not a game. How could she be so casual about it?
With my heart racing, I turned to face Anna. “Are you certain that this is okay?” “I said.”
“It’s just a game, nothing more,” she said in a casual tone. Children adore these make-believe activities.
It was unbelievable to me. I searched for a hint of shame in her eyes, but I couldn’t find it. Simply apathy.
I bent over and gripped Ellie. “My dear, this isn’t a game. This is not how you should ever feel.
I got up and glared at Anna, saying, “You can go now. I hope to never see you again.
Without saying a word, she picked up her purse, put her phone away, and walked out.
