Journal the Twelfth

[theabjectauthor]

[Filtered Away From Sunny Baudelaire]

To My Fellow Residents,

It is never a pleasant thing to lose the company of a friend or loved one... I am sure most of you know the experience well from your time here in Paradisa, if not from you lives before, as well. Those who are left behind must pick up the pieces and carry on as best they can. But sometimes there are holes that cannot completely be accounted for... In this case, the knowledge and expwrience of caring for a young child. While my remaining ward, Sunny, is presently experiencing the pros and cons of having the body and full vocabulary of a young woman, I am not certain how long this twist of fate will last, and shall soon have to care for her as her proper age of two. Though Sunny is a very smart and resourceful girl, capable of doing much children her own age cannot, there are still bound to be things she will need that I may find myself unprepared for. Though I have never been fond of the idiom "it takes a village to raise a child", the advice of a castle may still be of infinite use, and greatly appreciated.

With all due respect,

Comments

Dat filter forever

[thatrabbitsdynamite]

You know you can always count on me for that, mate.

[theabjectauthor]

Thank you, Mr. Bunny. I know Sunny counts you among her dear friends, as well. I'm glad she still has so many, here.... You've all been a comfort to her in the time since Violet's departure.

[thatrabbitsdynamite]

It's no problem. The kid deserves some joy in her life.

[theabjectauthor]

She most certainly does... as does every child, honestly, but I've a feeling you already agree.

Lemony Snicket

[inafadingcrown]

Having raised a daughter of my my own and played a significant role in the raising of my three grandchildren, I believe I may be in a position to offer some measure of advice.

-Galadriel.

Lady Galadriel, to end

[theabjectauthor]

A very large measure, indeed, from the sound of things, my Lady. I must admit, I am not entirely sure the extent to which Sunny can care for herself, but.... It seems a strange sort of conversation to have at present. Luckily, I can also understand her as a toddler...

[inafadingcrown]

That does, indeed, seem a boon.

What questions would you ask, then? Or do you yet know?

[theabjectauthor]

It is a difficult question to pose, don't you think? "What sort of daily activities will you eventually and inevitably require my help with"? Especially when asking someone who, at present, is the age her mother was when last I saw her alive...

Filtered for all above

[the_effect_she_has]

What do you need, Lemony? I'll do whatever I can.

[theabjectauthor]

That's the problem, I suppose, Katniss. I'm not entirely certain yet. But thank you for your support...

[the_effect_she_has]

Well, most infants need fresh milk. She's two, so she'll just be starting on harder foods. You'll need diapers, and toys.

[She frowned, thinking on it.]

[theabjectauthor]

Sunny already has four sharp teeth of her own and enjoys a wide variety of foods.

I will, however, admit that the diapers are a daunting concept.

Dat filter

[kungfuwitch]

I'm very sorry for your loss, Lemony. I could give you a few pointers if you'd like. I've got two nephews about that age back home so I've got some experience.

[theabjectauthor]

Thank you, Mrs. Hall-- [ahem] Phoebe. Sunny's diet is not an issue, I already have a solid knowledge of her tastes ... and the safety of my room is assured, since I know she's navigated surroundings far more treacherous.

It's somewhat awkward, knowing so much about her and so little all at once.

[kungfuwitch]

[She smiles]

Maybe you should take advantage of her loss to get to know her a little better.

[theabjectauthor]

That was certainly something I had considered, but there are some issues I need to prepare for that might be of too personal or sensitive a nature, particularly in the area of, Er..... Personal hygiene, shall we say.

Mr. Snicket

[cyan_maid]

Is this the same Sunny that made dinner for everyone on the expedition?

[theabjectauthor]

The very same, Jane. Have you spoken to her before?

[cyan_maid]

No, I haven't had the chance. I'm very sorry to hear what's happened to her, though...

[Any friend/ward of Lemony's is definitely a friend of hers.]

[that filter]

[courageous_wit]

Be sure to give her time to play. Moments of fun are important for any child, but especially one living here.

[theabjectauthor]

Oh, of course. Sunny's favorite hobby is cooking, and I have accompanied her in the kitchen several times already.

[courageous_wit]

What else does she do?

Lemony Snicket - written in mechanically neat print.

[hatesgoodbyes]

She's a kid.

Sure right now she's a grown woman but under that, after this goes away she's still a kid and she needs protection, caring, boundaries and guidance. But to tell you the truth most of that is just bullshit, anyone can offer that, I know I did the orphan thing myself.

What she is going to need, more than anything, is a sense of family, doesn't matter if it's blood or choice. She's going to need that, it'll make her feel safe. Go without that and... you fuck a kid up that way.

[Trust her on this one, seriously.]

[theabjectauthor]

[orphans, it seems, are in fine company here. Tex has his sympathies, but she did not reply to him in order to get them, she replied to give her help. it would be rude for him to reply to an offer of aid with "I'm sorry your life was filled with terrible things and cow manure".]

You speak very truly - some of the Baudelaires' best previous guardians were completely unrelated to them. Have we spoken before...?

[hatesgoodbyes]

Doubt it, but I know Church and I know a little bit about Sunny. She's a good kid, one brave little girl. Just wanted to make sure she was being looked after right.