Little Toy Boat
Mami holds Jake's hand as he scanned the boring aisles filled with cans of corn and soup. He loved going out with Mami, but sometimes it was soooo boring.
"Mami, can we look at something else?"
She turns towards him raising a brow playfully at his groan.
"You getting tired of me already?"
"¡No, Mami!"
He looks at her, offended she would even think that? Who told her that, they're lying! It wasn't nice to lie. She chuckles and kissed his cheek before putting something else in the buggy.
"I know, bubba. I'm just teasing."
"Oh, well... I'm just bored. We've been standing in the same aisle foreeeever!"
"Forever?! Well that can be pretty boring then, huh?"
He nods seriously, his curls smacking his forehead and almost his eyes. He suddenly got an idea, bouncing in place trying not to stim with his hands.
"When we're done can we look at the toys? Pretty please?"
Mami thought about it. He didn't ask for much, and when he did it was always a reasonable request. She had no problem getting him another toy. The only problem that she had was if she could afford it.
Prices on everything had been increasing, especially on the baby stuff. She already spent a lot on the bills, how was she gonna get her baby a toy? These thoughts started to weigh in on her mind, negative thoughts following.
'What kind of caregiver can't take care of her little?'
"¿Mami?"
She snapped out of it, smiling at his worried face. She spoke to him with a shaky voice.
"Sorry, bubba. W-We can do that. Let me finish with the groceries first, okay?"
He didn't answer, the frown still on his face.
"Are you okay, Mami? Do you need to sit down? We can take a break! I won't be mad!"
He grabs her hand, guiding her out of the aisle.
"Bubba, no. I'm fine. Just thinking about grownup stuff."
"Well stop it! It's making you sad, I don't like when Mami's sad."
She smiles, and kisses his cheeks, then his nose.
"Okay, bubba. Let's check these out and then we'll go to the toy store."
He nods, smiling. After they were done with the groceries, they get into the car and drive to the small baby/little store near their apartment. There go there often and are used to her and the littles visiting.
They get out and Jake immediately rushes in. Mami smiles at that, and follows him, watching him browse the toy aisle. This, unfortunately, was a opportunity to think about the things she shouldn't. She was quickly pulled out though, when Jake gasps in excitement.
He held a small case of toy cars carefully in his hand. He tries to keep his stimming hands still, as not to drop it. He instead stomps in place excitedly.
"Mami, look!"
"I see it!"
She scans the case, only for it to be bare. It didn't have a price on it. She calls over the nearest employee, pointing to the case.
"How much is this?"
"Oh, those just came in! Those are $50.49!"
Mami curses to herself, but smiles at the employee. She couldn't get it. Her baby asked for one thing, and she couldn't get it. How couldn't she get it, she has to. Look at him, he's so excited. She couldn't bare to tell him that he couldn't get it. But she had to.
"Jake,"
His smile drops instantly, thinking he was in trouble.
"You're not in trouble it's just... Mami doesn't have the money for that right now. I'm so sorry baby."
Jake sighs in disappointment and relief. He was relieved that she wasn't angry at him, but disappointed that he couldn't get the case. He shrugs and puts it back. Oh well, better luck next time.
He skips out of the store, happy as he was when he ran in. Mami sighs and follows him out, but pauses.
~time skip~
"Bubba! Can you come here?"
His heavy but light footsteps rushes towards her.
"¿Sí, Mamí?"
"I'm sorry I couldn't get you the toy you wanted earlier. I didn't have enough money for the case."
"It's okay, Mami!"
"I know it's not the same as the case, but I got you this instead."
She revealed a small bag, and handed it to Jake. He takes it, shakes it gently, then opens it. He blinked in surprise and takes the toy out. It was a simple toy boat, a little waterproof sail and a red base. He examines it, not noticing Mami's anxious stare.
"It changes colors depending on the water temperature. I realized the other boys had some bath toys, but not you."
When he only nodded, she got slightly discouraged.
"If you don't like it, we can take it back. We'll just have to wait until my next paycheck to get something else."
Jake's head snaps up, and he stares at her, offended. He shook his head frantically, holding it to his chest.
"¡No! Mamí got it for me, and I like it! I never thought about a bath toy, only the regular ones!"
He hugs her but quickly let's go, entranced with his new toy.
"Can I use it now?"
Mami smiles, her worries disappearing. Maybe she was worried over nothing.