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Description

  While the students snoozed away during naptime, Whimsy was in xeir usual spot in the hallway, sitting beside Danni as she sobbed away on her nap mat, looking through the communication books. Danni's grandmother--a woman the local community has taken to calling "Dam Doria," for her complete lack of care for her own granddaughter--never really bothered with using the communication book. It was a way to let the teachers know how a particular student was doing; if they were constipated, had no appetite, didn't sleep well the night before, needed medicine, would be picked up early on a particular day, etc. In turn, the teachers report to the parents how their child was during the day; what they had for snack or lunch, if they weren't their usual selves, if they tried something new, if they accomplished something on their own for the first time. Of course, there wasn't any penalty if parents didn't use the communication book, but Whimsy wished Dam Doria would have SOMETHING to say for herself or Danni.

Xe grabbed Danni's communication book. To be completely honest, because xe didn't expect Dam Doria to write anything, Whimsy didn't check the little yellow book as diligently as the others. For once, someone HAD written in it, but the handwriting wasn't that of a grown woman; it looked like someone who was still getting the hang of writing letters. Every day, it was the same message...

No dinner

No breakfast

Whimsy glanced at the sobbing lass under the blanket, and sighed. "Assume competence;" that's what xe was taught when entering this field. Assume that every parent and guardian is doing the best they can, given their circumstances. Don't automatically jump to conclusions. So... what could be a reasonable explanation as to why Danni wasn't being fed?

Finances? If xe remembered correctly, Dam Doria worked at a health and wellness spa, so there is money coming into the household. Maybe it's not enough?



Maybe sensory issues? Whimsy knew that neurodivergent kids often have very strict personal diets because they are sensitive to tastes or smells or textures. Danni didn't care for strong perfumes. Perhaps certain food smells put her off of her appetite? But even if that were the case, at least feed your kid SOMETHING! Whimsy thought angrily. Buttered noodles, chicken nuggets, apple slices, oatmeal cookies, cheese sticks, pancakes, boiled eggs, pretzels, sweet potatoes--ANYTHING! Danni literally has the rest of her life to try new foods and enhance her diet.

Or maybe it was an emotional thing? The woman may act all cold and prickly, but who knows? Maybe that's how she copes? She doesn't speak very highly of Danni's parents, but that could just be the "anger" part of the grieving process. And, not that Whimsy had any room to talk, but Dam Doria was a fairly thin woman. Maybe tasks like cooking was too exhausting for her?

I should see the family specialist; see if there's any food programs that Danni's grandmother could qualify for. For now, Whimsy decided to let the little yellow book be between xemself and Danni. Dam Doria probably wouldn't take kindly to her granddaughter sharing their family problems with the teacher. And if need be, the book could serve as evidence, in case child protective services ever needed to get involved...

***

"Ms. Doria," Whimsy greeted the woman at the end of the day when she came to pick up Danni. "Quick question." Dam Doria already crossed her arms and scowled. "It's concerning to me that Danni picks food out from the trash can, so I was wondering--"

"I cook her perfectly healthy foods. She's just being ungrateful and refusing to eat it," Dam Doria snapped.

"I see," Whimsy nodded only to be polite. If your granddaughter is eating food out of the trash every day, it means your cooking is bad, xe WISHED xe could say. "Well, there are local food programs that may help. I assure you; the meals they provide are nutritious and perfect for growing kids like Danni."

Dam Doria took the brochures from Whimsy and glared at xem with a steely gaze. "You will do well to keep your nose out of other people's business." Danni came out to meet her grandmother. Without so much as a simple "farewell," the two were off; Danni trailing behind the woman like an obedient dog, Dam Doria not even looking back to see if her granddaughter was following.

It was too far away for Whimsy to hear, but one of the other fathers approached Dam Doria. He bowed his head, greeting her respectfully, and said something. Whatever Dam Doria said in turn was enough to make the man take a step back in shock. After a moment, he approached Whimsy to pick up his own daughter.

Once all of the children were safely on their way home and the classroom empty, Mx. Beehive approached Whimsy with a look on her face like she was trying to be strong. "Whimsy, I say this with a heart full of love... You're being too nice."

"What?" That was honestly a first for Whimsy. Growing up, xe was usually told that xe was too strict or rude or inconsiderate, to the point that people were shocked xe wanted to teach young children. (It honestly took a good few years to properly hone xeir interpersonal skills.)

"To LaMonta, I mean," Mx. Beehive clarified. "You're focusing too much time and energy into her, to the point of neglecting your other students. I know that she's going through a hard time right now, but you aren't going to be with her forever, and she's not the only student in this class who needs your attention. She needs to learn to advocate and help herself; that is a basic life skill. There are communication boards all around the room, we use sign language regularly--you just discovered that she can write simple phrases in the yellow book. If Naomi can learn how to use alternative methods of communication, so can LaMonta. But, she's not going to learn if you are constantly checking in on her."

Whimsy wanted so badly to argue against her, but Mx. Beehive had a point. Several, actually. "Yeah. Okay. You're right. She... she needs to learn."

"I know it's not a great feeling," Mx. Beehive assured her. "Believe me; I got three little ones at home. I only recently weened my youngest because I didn't want her to stop being my baby. Then I found out she was sticking her hands down her kindergarten teacher's shirt and throwing tantrums when her teachers didn't nurse her," she admitted sheepishly. "Five years old, demanding to be nursed."

"That's bad," Whimsy agreed. "Okay. I will take a step back; let Danni learn."

***

The next day, aside from the usual message of "no dinner," and "no breakfast," Danni had written something new; "Doctor is coming." Do you have an appointment after school? Whimsy wondered.

Dismissal time came, and there was a new face in the meager crowd of parents waiting for their children to be dismissed. From afar, Whimsy found him quite handsome; not in a flashy way, but like a "boy next door, who went to college and came back a man," sort of way (if that made any sense). "Good afternoon," he greeted Whimsy when the doors opened. Xe noticed the black wedding band on his finger; he was a widower. "My name is Dr. James Marker. I'm here for Danni LaMonta."

Oh~ that's what she meant. "Yes. Let me--" Before Whimsy could finish xeir sentence, Danni came bolting out, backpack all packed and ready. Dr. Marker bent down on one knee and happily accepted the hug.

"You've gotten a haircut," he noted, fluffing the sides of Danni's head. She was almost a completely different kid in his presence. Of course, she still didn't speak a word, but her whole demeanor had relaxed. No smile plastered on her face, avoiding eye contact or any sort of physical contact. A small part of Whimsy wondered if xe was doing something wrong in running the classroom. Is that why she can't relax around me?... Maybe Danni is just one of those people that doesn't like too much attention.

"I cut her hair!" Vanilla happily declared, butting into the conversation. Her own mother had gotten caught up in a conversation with another mother.

"Hm... Friend, you shouldn't cut other people's hair," Dr. Marker lightly scolded her. "You need to go to a special school first."

"I cut my dolls' hair!" Vanilla immediately argued.

"Is Danni a doll?"

"...no."

"No. Her body is her body, just like your body is your body. When you go to the special school, and you're all grown up, and people come and ask you to cut their hair, then it's okay."

Vanilla's mother called her. The girl darted off without so much as a "farewell."

"Do you have little ones at home?" Whimsy guessed.

"Yes," Dr. Marker responded, standing back up. "I also work in pediatric care." Danni started rummaging around in the man's satchel before pulling out a bag of sweet potato crisps and munching on them. This must be a normal interaction, because the man only closed the flap of his bag when she was done. "Be as good to yourself as you've been to others," he said in gratitude before he started walking away, glancing back to make sure Danni was following him.

The father from yesterday approached Dr. Marker, with little Meringue following behind. This time, their conversation was within earshot, without blocking other parents from retrieving their kids. "Hello," he greeted the man, hand extended for a shake. "My name is Barley Goldstone."

"Dr. James Marker," the man shook hands with a polite smile. Danni took a step back, nudging closer to Dr. Marker, still munching on her snack.

"Are you... Ms. Doria's lover?" HELL~ NO! Whimsy could barely imagine the woman being married ONCE, let alone getting married a second time.

"Goodness, no!" Dr. Marker laughed. "No; I am a friend of the family. May I help you with something?"

"Actually, I was hoping I could help Danni. Meringue is in the same class, and she comes home telling me about how Danni digs food out of the trash, and how she never has a snack packed. She even tells me how sometimes, during carpet time, she can hear Danni's tummy rumbling."

"Really?" There was a dangerous edge to that one word. He adjusted his stance, slouching a bit, tucking his hands in his pockets; he wasn't angry with Goldstone. Please rip Dam Doria a new asshole, Whimsy secretly wished. If Dr. Marker was a friend of the family, maybe he could get the woman to straighten up.

"Yes." Mx. Goldstone looked nervous. "I-I actually own a bakery in the neighborhood, but it's also a bit like a cafe." Dr. Marker adjusted his stance again, looking more attentive, taking his hands out of his pockets. "If Danni would like, she could come by in the mornings and at least get a decent breakfast to start the day. It's not terribly expensive. Good quality, if I say so myself. We've got muffins, pretzels, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, bagels, cornbread, sweet rolls, flatbread, tarts... And we also have a little refrigerated section off to the side, so she can get fruit juice, vegetable juice, tea, lemonade, milk, yogurt, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables... I know I probably sound like I'm promoting my business, but... it doesn't sit well with me knowing there is a kid going hungry," he finally admitted.

"Not at all, sir." Dr. Marker was absolutely beaming. "You and your daughter are very kind." Meringue was looking up at the man, rather pleased with herself.

"I tried talking to Ms. Doria about it yesterday, but she seemed to take offense. I might not have gotten my point across properly. It's just... I know the struggle. My mother passed away when Meringue was... about two years old? I just wanted to lay around and do nothing, but, you know, it's not fair for her to go hungry just because Papa is grieving. I definitely lost some weight during that time, but I always made sure she went to bed with a full tummy."

"I wouldn't doubt your communication skills. Ms. Doria is just a pigheaded woman who is not well-versed in the culinary arts." He said that so casually, Whimsy had to resist the urge to laugh. "What do you think?" Dr. Marker turned to Danni. "Would you like to visit his bakery?"

Danni looked from Mx. Goldstone to Meringue and back to Mx. Goldstone before finally nodding.

There's good people in this community.

***

For the next week, Danni showed up to school with a fresh pastry and either some milk or a fruit. She was always the first to show up in the mornings, so she had the classroom to herself for her breakfast. Following through on xeir promise to Mx. Beehive, Whimsy gave the lass some space. It seemed to work; Danni didn't feel the need to have her creepy smile plastered on her face when it was just her and Whimsy in the room. Probably better still; there were no more notes from Danni about missing breakfast or dinner. Is Dr. Marker a miracle worker?!

Then, one morning, Danni was the last to arrive to school before the doors closed. She wore her creepy smile, but she was also dreadfully pale and clammy, walking around with a hunch. Just as Whimsy was about to reach out to her and ask what was wrong, xe caught Mx. Beehive's intended gaze. LaMonta needs to learn to communicate with us, her eyes said. Whimsy carried on with xeir usual morning duties.

Danni hung up her backpack on the hooks, took out her yellow book and put it in the bin with the other books before collapsing on the floor, entire body trembling, her fists and jaw clenched. Mx. Beehive was standing closest; she tried to get Danni's attention, calling her name and patting her arm lightly. Whimsy reached for the little yellow book.

Tummy hurts really bad

I threw up lots and lots

Description

  While the students snoozed away during naptime, Whimsy was in xeir usual spot in the hallway, sitting beside Danni as she sobbed away on her nap mat, looking through the communication books. Danni's grandmother--a woman the local community has taken to calling "Dam Doria," for her complete lack of care for her own granddaughter--never really bothered with using the communication book. It was a way to let the teachers know how a particular student was doing; if they were constipated, had no appetite, didn't sleep well the night before, needed medicine, would be picked up early on a particular day, etc. In turn, the teachers report to the parents how their child was during the day; what they had for snack or lunch, if they weren't their usual selves, if they tried something new, if they accomplished something on their own for the first time. Of course, there wasn't any penalty if parents didn't use the communication book, but Whimsy wished Dam Doria would have SOMETHING to say for herself or Danni.

Xe grabbed Danni's communication book. To be completely honest, because xe didn't expect Dam Doria to write anything, Whimsy didn't check the little yellow book as diligently as the others. For once, someone HAD written in it, but the handwriting wasn't that of a grown woman; it looked like someone who was still getting the hang of writing letters. Every day, it was the same message...

No dinner

No breakfast

Whimsy glanced at the sobbing lass under the blanket, and sighed. "Assume competence;" that's what xe was taught when entering this field. Assume that every parent and guardian is doing the best they can, given their circumstances. Don't automatically jump to conclusions. So... what could be a reasonable explanation as to why Danni wasn't being fed?

Finances? If xe remembered correctly, Dam Doria worked at a health and wellness spa, so there is money coming into the household. Maybe it's not enough?



Maybe sensory issues? Whimsy knew that neurodivergent kids often have very strict personal diets because they are sensitive to tastes or smells or textures. Danni didn't care for strong perfumes. Perhaps certain food smells put her off of her appetite? But even if that were the case, at least feed your kid SOMETHING! Whimsy thought angrily. Buttered noodles, chicken nuggets, apple slices, oatmeal cookies, cheese sticks, pancakes, boiled eggs, pretzels, sweet potatoes--ANYTHING! Danni literally has the rest of her life to try new foods and enhance her diet.

Or maybe it was an emotional thing? The woman may act all cold and prickly, but who knows? Maybe that's how she copes? She doesn't speak very highly of Danni's parents, but that could just be the "anger" part of the grieving process. And, not that Whimsy had any room to talk, but Dam Doria was a fairly thin woman. Maybe tasks like cooking was too exhausting for her?

I should see the family specialist; see if there's any food programs that Danni's grandmother could qualify for. For now, Whimsy decided to let the little yellow book be between xemself and Danni. Dam Doria probably wouldn't take kindly to her granddaughter sharing their family problems with the teacher. And if need be, the book could serve as evidence, in case child protective services ever needed to get involved...

***

"Ms. Doria," Whimsy greeted the woman at the end of the day when she came to pick up Danni. "Quick question." Dam Doria already crossed her arms and scowled. "It's concerning to me that Danni picks food out from the trash can, so I was wondering--"

"I cook her perfectly healthy foods. She's just being ungrateful and refusing to eat it," Dam Doria snapped.

"I see," Whimsy nodded only to be polite. If your granddaughter is eating food out of the trash every day, it means your cooking is bad, xe WISHED xe could say. "Well, there are local food programs that may help. I assure you; the meals they provide are nutritious and perfect for growing kids like Danni."

Dam Doria took the brochures from Whimsy and glared at xem with a steely gaze. "You will do well to keep your nose out of other people's business." Danni came out to meet her grandmother. Without so much as a simple "farewell," the two were off; Danni trailing behind the woman like an obedient dog, Dam Doria not even looking back to see if her granddaughter was following.

It was too far away for Whimsy to hear, but one of the other fathers approached Dam Doria. He bowed his head, greeting her respectfully, and said something. Whatever Dam Doria said in turn was enough to make the man take a step back in shock. After a moment, he approached Whimsy to pick up his own daughter.

Once all of the children were safely on their way home and the classroom empty, Mx. Beehive approached Whimsy with a look on her face like she was trying to be strong. "Whimsy, I say this with a heart full of love... You're being too nice."

"What?" That was honestly a first for Whimsy. Growing up, xe was usually told that xe was too strict or rude or inconsiderate, to the point that people were shocked xe wanted to teach young children. (It honestly took a good few years to properly hone xeir interpersonal skills.)

"To LaMonta, I mean," Mx. Beehive clarified. "You're focusing too much time and energy into her, to the point of neglecting your other students. I know that she's going through a hard time right now, but you aren't going to be with her forever, and she's not the only student in this class who needs your attention. She needs to learn to advocate and help herself; that is a basic life skill. There are communication boards all around the room, we use sign language regularly--you just discovered that she can write simple phrases in the yellow book. If Naomi can learn how to use alternative methods of communication, so can LaMonta. But, she's not going to learn if you are constantly checking in on her."

Whimsy wanted so badly to argue against her, but Mx. Beehive had a point. Several, actually. "Yeah. Okay. You're right. She... she needs to learn."

"I know it's not a great feeling," Mx. Beehive assured her. "Believe me; I got three little ones at home. I only recently weened my youngest because I didn't want her to stop being my baby. Then I found out she was sticking her hands down her kindergarten teacher's shirt and throwing tantrums when her teachers didn't nurse her," she admitted sheepishly. "Five years old, demanding to be nursed."

"That's bad," Whimsy agreed. "Okay. I will take a step back; let Danni learn."

***

The next day, aside from the usual message of "no dinner," and "no breakfast," Danni had written something new; "Doctor is coming." Do you have an appointment after school? Whimsy wondered.

Dismissal time came, and there was a new face in the meager crowd of parents waiting for their children to be dismissed. From afar, Whimsy found him quite handsome; not in a flashy way, but like a "boy next door, who went to college and came back a man," sort of way (if that made any sense). "Good afternoon," he greeted Whimsy when the doors opened. Xe noticed the black wedding band on his finger; he was a widower. "My name is Dr. James Marker. I'm here for Danni LaMonta."

Oh~ that's what she meant. "Yes. Let me--" Before Whimsy could finish xeir sentence, Danni came bolting out, backpack all packed and ready. Dr. Marker bent down on one knee and happily accepted the hug.

"You've gotten a haircut," he noted, fluffing the sides of Danni's head. She was almost a completely different kid in his presence. Of course, she still didn't speak a word, but her whole demeanor had relaxed. No smile plastered on her face, avoiding eye contact or any sort of physical contact. A small part of Whimsy wondered if xe was doing something wrong in running the classroom. Is that why she can't relax around me?... Maybe Danni is just one of those people that doesn't like too much attention.

"I cut her hair!" Vanilla happily declared, butting into the conversation. Her own mother had gotten caught up in a conversation with another mother.

"Hm... Friend, you shouldn't cut other people's hair," Dr. Marker lightly scolded her. "You need to go to a special school first."

"I cut my dolls' hair!" Vanilla immediately argued.

"Is Danni a doll?"

"...no."

"No. Her body is her body, just like your body is your body. When you go to the special school, and you're all grown up, and people come and ask you to cut their hair, then it's okay."

Vanilla's mother called her. The girl darted off without so much as a "farewell."

"Do you have little ones at home?" Whimsy guessed.

"Yes," Dr. Marker responded, standing back up. "I also work in pediatric care." Danni started rummaging around in the man's satchel before pulling out a bag of sweet potato crisps and munching on them. This must be a normal interaction, because the man only closed the flap of his bag when she was done. "Be as good to yourself as you've been to others," he said in gratitude before he started walking away, glancing back to make sure Danni was following him.

The father from yesterday approached Dr. Marker, with little Meringue following behind. This time, their conversation was within earshot, without blocking other parents from retrieving their kids. "Hello," he greeted the man, hand extended for a shake. "My name is Barley Goldstone."

"Dr. James Marker," the man shook hands with a polite smile. Danni took a step back, nudging closer to Dr. Marker, still munching on her snack.

"Are you... Ms. Doria's lover?" HELL~ NO! Whimsy could barely imagine the woman being married ONCE, let alone getting married a second time.

"Goodness, no!" Dr. Marker laughed. "No; I am a friend of the family. May I help you with something?"

"Actually, I was hoping I could help Danni. Meringue is in the same class, and she comes home telling me about how Danni digs food out of the trash, and how she never has a snack packed. She even tells me how sometimes, during carpet time, she can hear Danni's tummy rumbling."

"Really?" There was a dangerous edge to that one word. He adjusted his stance, slouching a bit, tucking his hands in his pockets; he wasn't angry with Goldstone. Please rip Dam Doria a new asshole, Whimsy secretly wished. If Dr. Marker was a friend of the family, maybe he could get the woman to straighten up.

"Yes." Mx. Goldstone looked nervous. "I-I actually own a bakery in the neighborhood, but it's also a bit like a cafe." Dr. Marker adjusted his stance again, looking more attentive, taking his hands out of his pockets. "If Danni would like, she could come by in the mornings and at least get a decent breakfast to start the day. It's not terribly expensive. Good quality, if I say so myself. We've got muffins, pretzels, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, bagels, cornbread, sweet rolls, flatbread, tarts... And we also have a little refrigerated section off to the side, so she can get fruit juice, vegetable juice, tea, lemonade, milk, yogurt, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables... I know I probably sound like I'm promoting my business, but... it doesn't sit well with me knowing there is a kid going hungry," he finally admitted.

"Not at all, sir." Dr. Marker was absolutely beaming. "You and your daughter are very kind." Meringue was looking up at the man, rather pleased with herself.

"I tried talking to Ms. Doria about it yesterday, but she seemed to take offense. I might not have gotten my point across properly. It's just... I know the struggle. My mother passed away when Meringue was... about two years old? I just wanted to lay around and do nothing, but, you know, it's not fair for her to go hungry just because Papa is grieving. I definitely lost some weight during that time, but I always made sure she went to bed with a full tummy."

"I wouldn't doubt your communication skills. Ms. Doria is just a pigheaded woman who is not well-versed in the culinary arts." He said that so casually, Whimsy had to resist the urge to laugh. "What do you think?" Dr. Marker turned to Danni. "Would you like to visit his bakery?"

Danni looked from Mx. Goldstone to Meringue and back to Mx. Goldstone before finally nodding.

There's good people in this community.

***

For the next week, Danni showed up to school with a fresh pastry and either some milk or a fruit. She was always the first to show up in the mornings, so she had the classroom to herself for her breakfast. Following through on xeir promise to Mx. Beehive, Whimsy gave the lass some space. It seemed to work; Danni didn't feel the need to have her creepy smile plastered on her face when it was just her and Whimsy in the room. Probably better still; there were no more notes from Danni about missing breakfast or dinner. Is Dr. Marker a miracle worker?!

Then, one morning, Danni was the last to arrive to school before the doors closed. She wore her creepy smile, but she was also dreadfully pale and clammy, walking around with a hunch. Just as Whimsy was about to reach out to her and ask what was wrong, xe caught Mx. Beehive's intended gaze. LaMonta needs to learn to communicate with us, her eyes said. Whimsy carried on with xeir usual morning duties.

Danni hung up her backpack on the hooks, took out her yellow book and put it in the bin with the other books before collapsing on the floor, entire body trembling, her fists and jaw clenched. Mx. Beehive was standing closest; she tried to get Danni's attention, calling her name and patting her arm lightly. Whimsy reached for the little yellow book.

Tummy hurts really bad

I threw up lots and lots