Night Light

Episode 13: Decision Making Dilemma

"Okay, wow. It is late," Lilith said, picking Luz up. "It's bedtime, you." Lilith coos at the baby, making Eda side glance.

"I'm sorry, but did you ask her?"

"Um... pardon?"

"Did you ask Luz if she's ready for bed?"

"Uh... no? Since when do we ask toddlers if they want to go to bed or not?"

"Since I got my new parenting book!" Eda shoved a book into Lilith's face.

"What?"

Eda started to flip through pages, before landing on one with a small, "aha!"

"See? Right here it says that you should let children make their own decisions. It helps with responsibility."

"Responsibility? You want the toddler - the one year old - to decide when to go to bed?"

"Not only that, but also any other important decision! It helps babies feel like they are included in every day activity's, says here." Eda pointed to a worded page. Lilith rolled her eyes, glancing at the clock.

"Edalyn. It's already 9 at night. Come on. Bed."

"Luz, do you want to go to bed?"

"Nuh-uh!"

"Then to bed, you won't!"

"Edalyn!"

"My kid, my rules!" Eda took Luz from Lilith. Luz laughed, kicking her legs back and forth.

"So... we're doing this," Lilith groaned, throwing herself back against the couch and rubbing her face. "It is going to be a long night."

"Okay, Luz! What do you want to do first?" Eda sat Luz down, who stood steady on her feet. Luz still held onto Eda's hand for support, but looked around.

"King!" Luz exclaimed happily. Eda tilted her head in confusion.

"Uh... not exactly sure what you want with King, kiddo."

"Hold on, I think I got it." King, who has been watching from the window sill, said.

King leaped from his spot of slumber and sat in front of the toddler. He tilted his head. "Eda, it's obvious she wants me to help her to build a fort!"

Luz's eyes lit up at King's words as she giggled slightly. Eda raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"Huh. Are you sure that's not what you want? When do you speak toddler anyway?"

"Ever since Luz, I have taught myself of their wretched ways."

"Actually, a fort might be nice, Edalyn," Lilith interjected, gently resting her hand on Eda's forearm. "It's simple, tiring, and great for learning basic skills."

"Well, If it's what the kid wants, then it's what the kid gets."

The thus, the building began. The four of them gathered blankets and pillows, tables and chairs, and in the traditional way, they made a huge blanket fort.

Lilith used her magic to create string lights and to decorate the interior, while Eda handled the exterior.

And when they were all done, Luz dusted her hands off as best as a one year old could, and happily cooed.

King, probably the most excited of all, ushered everyone inside.

Once inside, they all began to relax. Eda laughed, and ruffled Luz's hair. "That was fun. Hey, what now, kid?" Luz yawned, rubbing her eye.

"Edalyn... Luz is tired. She needs to go to bed."

"She doesn't want to!"

"I understand, but-"

"Food!" Luz yelled out, catching everyone off guard.

"Snacks! Yes! This kid speaks my language!" King shouted, digging under a pillow and pulled out a load of snacks.

"King, that REALLY isn't a good idea!-" Lilith protested, eyeing the snacks.

But King had already began feeding Luz chocolate covered eyeballs.

Lilith groaned, knowing the consequences of this. Still, Luz gave everyone an innocent smile, making all their hearts turn to mush.

So, Lilith and Eda shrugged. A little bit of snacks wouldn't hurt, right?

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Luz's voice finally started to die down, as she fell asleep. Eda, completely restless, continued to pace the room in fear that the baby would awake.

Eda bounced the baby, and Lilith could only smirk.

"What did I tell you?" Lilith whispered. Eda yawned, rolling her eyes. Luz cuddled closer to Eda, her small fist gripping into a tight ball.

"That letting the toddler make decisions was a bad idea..."

Lilith could only snicker.

Was it true they stayed up all night eating Chocolate covered eyeballs? Yes.

Was it true that Eda should have listened to Lilith? Also yes.

And was it true that Eda wouldn't mind doing that night all over again? Family bonding, laughter, games, crankiness and all?

An indefinite yes.