Madison’s World Redux: Season Two: Episode Fifty One

Greg sat on the edge of McKenzie’s desk, his feet dangling over the side, swinging idly in the vast open space below. From his new perspective, everything in McKenzie’s room seemed impossibly large. It had never been a particularly big room, but now, it felt expansive, towering above him like the world of a giant. He glanced around, the familiar surroundings now alien, stretched by his smaller frame. He could hardly believe how different everything looked from down here.

As the door creaked open, McKenzie returned, a bottle of water in her hand. She shut the door behind her before sitting back down at her desk, her presence filling the room as she settled into her chair. Greg looked up at her, the scale difference a constant reminder of how far things had shifted. Despite that, the sense of comfort between them remained. They had just finished going over the bills and budgets, a routine that felt oddly familiar, even in this unfamiliar dynamic.

Hearing Greg’s praise had filled McKenzie with a warmth she couldn’t deny. His voice, even smaller now, still carried the same weight. “I’m proud of you, Kenzie,” he had said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he reviewed her work. She already knew her numbers were right, she had double-checked everything, her plan meticulous. But still, hearing it from her dad meant something. It always had. She couldn’t help but feel a small glow of satisfaction spread through her chest.

But the comfortable silence that followed was soon broken by Greg’s question. “Did you see your mother? Is she doing okay?” His tone was careful, but there was a weight to the question, an unspoken concern layered beneath the words.

McKenzie shifted slightly in her seat, glancing at her father. She knew the question wasn’t just about whether Cindy was physically okay, it was about more than that. It was about the strained relationship between her and her mother, a tension that had only worsened since Smallara. Instead of bringing them closer, the change had pushed them further apart. McKenzie felt it every time she was around her mother, the unspoken resentment, the distance growing wider with each passing day.

Greg knew it too. He didn’t blame either of them for it, though. He loved McKenzie fiercely, she was his daughter, and he would always stand by her. He understood where she was coming from, understood the frustration and the emotional toll it had taken on her. But at the same time, Cindy was his wife, and he could see her side as well. Cindy wasn’t acting out of cruelty or neglect. She had always wanted what was best for McKenzie, even if it came across as harsh or idealistic.

“She’s doing fine,” McKenzie replied, though her tone was cool, detached. “She’s with Madison, working on… whatever Madison has her doing.” She avoided elaborating, not wanting to dive too deeply into the subject. It was easier to keep the conversation on the surface than to confront the deeper rift that lay beneath.

Greg nodded, sensing the reluctance in her voice but not pushing further. He knew McKenzie’s feelings toward her mother were complicated, especially now. Cindy had wanted McKenzie to focus on her future, on herself, not on Littles, not on them, and certainly not on raising Madison. It had been an idealistic hope, and while Greg understood that Cindy’s intentions had come from a place of care, it hadn’t been fair to McKenzie. He could see that. The weight of responsibility thrust upon her was overwhelming, and he knew it was hard for her not to resent that, even if Cindy meant well.

“It’s a tough hand, Kenzie,” Greg said softly, his voice gentle. “I know it wasn’t fair to ask you to take on so much. Your mom just… she wanted to protect you. She didn’t want you to have to worry about all this.”

McKenzie’s eyes softened slightly, though the tension remained. “I know, Dad. I get it. It’s just… hard.” Her voice wavered for a moment, betraying the deeper feelings she was trying to keep at bay.

Greg reached out, placing his small hand on her massive finger, offering a wordless gesture of comfort. It wasn’t much, but it was what he could do. “You’re doing great,” he said quietly. “Better than great.”

McKenzie smiled, a small, tired smile, appreciating the reassurance even if it didn’t fully ease the strain. The relationship between her and Cindy might be fractured, but in this moment, she still had her father’s support, and that, for now, was enough.

“It meant a lot to me, Dad,” McKenzie’s voice was soft, almost hesitant, as if the weight of what she was about to say hung heavily between them. Greg looked up at his daughter, sensing the emotional undercurrent in her words. “That you picked me. That you chose me over Mom.”

Her words lingered in the air, thick with meaning. Greg felt his heart twist, torn between the love he held for both McKenzie and Cindy. Yesterday’s decision had been agonizing. Choosing McKenzie in that moment had felt like betraying Cindy, but he also knew how much it meant to his eldest daughter. She needed that reassurance, that validation, especially now, with everything shifting around them.

“I thought for sure you’d side with her,” McKenzie continued, her eyes cast downward for a moment before looking back at him. “But you didn’t. And I won’t forget that.” She paused, struggling with her next words. “I promise I’ll do everything I can to make this easier for you.”

She stopped, letting out a long breath, the weight of her responsibilities pressing visibly on her shoulders. “I wish I could take on your day-to-day care. I really do,” she said, her voice tight with emotion. “But I have to work, and I have standards I have to meet for the Emancipation…” Her voice trailed off before she added, almost in a whisper, “and the adoption.”

Greg’s heart sank as the reality of her words hit him. The adoption. She wasn’t just referring to taking care of him and Cindy. She was talking about Madison. His youngest daughter. The enormity of it settled over him like a heavy blanket. McKenzie was planning to adopt Madison, to step in and officially become her legal guardian, because he and Cindy were no longer capable. As Littles, they could no longer provide for Madison in the way parents should. And while Greg understood why this had to happen, it still felt like a bitter pill to swallow.

McKenzie’s expression tightened, the guilt evident on her face. She didn’t want to hurt him, she didn’t want him to feel like she was taking Madison away from him and Cindy. But she was. That was the reality of it. And yet, she didn’t want it to feel like that. Greg could see the conflict in her eyes, the way she struggled to frame it so it wouldn’t break him further.

“I know it seems like I’m taking her away,” McKenzie said after a long pause, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I have to do this, Dad. For Madison’s sake. She needs someone who can take care of her, and you and Mom… you can’t. Not anymore.”

Greg swallowed hard, the lump in his throat refusing to go away. He understood. He did. But it didn’t make it any easier. Madison was still his daughter, his baby girl, and the thought of losing that role, of being replaced, was a painful one.

McKenzie’s eyes softened, filled with regret and love all at once. “I don’t want you to feel like you’re losing her,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m not trying to take her away from you. I just want to make sure she’s okay. That she’s taken care of.”

Greg nodded, his heart heavy but his mind clear. He knew McKenzie was right, she was doing what needed to be done. Madison needed a guardian who could provide for her, who could offer stability in a way he and Cindy no longer could. But the weight of that truth didn’t make it hurt any less.

“You’re not taking her away from me,” Greg said quietly, his voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside him. He reached out, placing his small hand on McKenzie’s massive finger, offering her a gentle squeeze. “You’re doing what’s best for her. I know that.”

McKenzie’s lips quivered as she smiled down at him, relief mixed with sadness. “I just don’t want you or Mom to feel like I’m replacing you. You’ll always be her parents. I’m just… stepping in where you can’t right now.”

Greg nodded, though the pain still lingered. He knew McKenzie was right, but the thought of no longer being Madison’s father in the traditional sense, of watching his eldest daughter step into that role, was harder than he ever imagined. Still, he trusted McKenzie. She was strong, responsible, and fiercely protective. He knew she would take care of Madison the way she always had, now, just in a more official capacity.

“I’m proud of you, Kenzie,” Greg said softly, his voice filled with both sorrow and pride. “I know you’ll take care of her. You’ll do what’s right.”

McKenzie smiled, a tear escaping down her cheek as she nodded. “Thank you, Dad. I promise I’ll take care of her, and I’ll make sure you are okay too.” McKenzie said before saying quieter “and mom.”

Greg squeezed her finger again, his heart heavy with the knowledge of what was coming, but filled with love for the daughter who was stepping up in ways he never could have imagined. “I know you will, Kenzie,” he said quietly. “I know you will

Greg knew deep down that this was for the best. Madison would listen to McKenzie. She had the ability to be firm when necessary, something he and Cindy could no longer manage. Their dynamic with Madison had shifted too much; they depended on her for everything now, food, shelter, even basic care. The balance of power had tipped irreversibly. Madison, still young and wrestling with her rebellious streak, wasn’t ready to take on the role of a true caregiver. She was still fighting for her independence, just as McKenzie had at her age. But McKenzie had already been through that phase, she’d emerged stronger, more grounded, though she still had moments where she believed she knew better than she did. Greg trusted her to guide Madison through that same storm.

“I don’t, it’s not like I hate Mom or anything,” McKenzie said suddenly, her voice low, as if confessing a secret she wasn’t sure she wanted to share. “She’s just… it’s difficult.” Her eyes darted away, avoiding Greg’s gaze. She couldn’t bear to look at him, afraid of seeing disappointment reflected in his expression. Even now, even as a Little, she didn’t like hurting him. She never had.

McKenzie shifted uncomfortably. “Mom didn’t believe in me when it mattered most, and I don’t know how to let that go. I don’t know how to forgive that.” She paused, her voice tight. “I still love her—she’s my mom—but it’s different now. I just think it’s best that things ended up this way. She’s ultimately Madison’s now, and maybe that’s for the best.”

Greg felt a pang of sadness at her words, but he understood. He had seen the tension between McKenzie and Cindy grow since the Smallara change, watched their relationship deteriorate as McKenzie wrestled with her resentment. Cindy had tried to protect her daughter, but in doing so, had pushed her away. And now, McKenzie was trying to protect herself by accepting the divide.

McKenzie’s shoulders slumped slightly, as if the weight of the conversation was pressing down on her. She glanced up briefly, still avoiding Greg’s eyes, and continued. “I just didn’t want to disappoint you, Dad,” she said softly. “Hurting you feels different than hurting Mom. When it happens with her, it feels… inevitable, like it’s bound to happen. But with you, it’s worse. Like something inside me breaks when I do.”

Greg’s heart ached for his daughter, seeing her wrestle with emotions she couldn’t fully express. She didn’t want to hurt him, but she also couldn’t ignore the rift that had formed with Cindy. And now, Greg had chosen her, he had stood by McKenzie’s side instead of Cindy’s, defending her beliefs and her choices. That meant something. Something heavy.

“Dad, you know you’re a Little now, right?” McKenzie’s voice cut through his thoughts, her question direct but filled with concern. She searched his face, watching him carefully.

Greg nodded, his expression calm though his chest tightened at the reminder. “I’ve come to terms with it. I don’t like it, but it’s the hand I was dealt, as they say.”

McKenzie let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “Right. I just wanted to make sure. Because… you’ll need some Little training,” she said hesitantly. “You do have to live as a Little now. And I love you, Dad. You’re my father forever. But there are going to be times when I have to ask you to do Little things, like chores or tasks. It’s not because I think less of you, it’s just the way things are now.”

Greg listened quietly, feeling the weight of her words settle on him. She was trying to soften the blow, to explain the inevitable changes in a way that wouldn’t hurt him. But the truth was clear: his role in the family had shifted permanently.

McKenzie’s voice trembled slightly as she continued. “But promise me you’ll still be my dad. The process… it changes Littles. Some of them come out different. I don’t like the methods, but it’s just how things are. Mom helped set it up that way.” She paused, her eyes pleading. “I just need you to still be you when it’s all said and done.”

Greg’s heart swelled with emotion at her words. She wasn’t just asking for compliance—she was asking for reassurance, for a promise that she wouldn’t lose him to the same system that had taken so many others. She didn’t want him to become another obedient, hollow Little, stripped of his personality. She wanted him to remain her father, even if their relationship had changed.

“Kenz, pumpkin,” Greg said softly, his voice warm and steady. “You know I’ll do everything I can not to lose myself. Having you as my support system… that means everything. More than you know.” He reached out, placing his small hand on her finger, the gesture tender despite the difference in size. “It means the world to me that you still see me as your father. I know things have to change, and I know I’m a Little now. There will be things I’ll need to do, and I’ll do them. But being able to talk to you like this, to still share things with you, it keeps my head on straight. I promise, Kenzie. You won’t lose me. I won’t become like Trina.”

McKenzie smiled, though her eyes glistened with unshed tears. She nodded, gently squeezing her father’s hand. “Thank you, Dad. That’s all I needed to hear.”

Greg smiled back, feeling the strength of their bond, even in the midst of this strange new reality. He would do whatever it took to remain himself, to stay the father McKenzie needed, no matter how much the world around them changed.

“Dad, I just need you to know,” McKenzie began, her voice soft but edged with tension. “I will protect you, always. You’ll always be in my life. But… how things are now won’t be forever. You know that, right?” She bit her lip, hating that she had to bring this up now, but it felt necessary. They had come this far, and the longer she waited, the harder it would be. Some things, she had learned, only grew more difficult to say with time.

Greg looked up at her, sensing the gravity behind her words. “Yeah, I mean… I guess that makes sense,” he replied, his voice steady though his heart tightened. “You two wouldn’t have lived at home forever, even if we didn’t catch Smallara.”

“Right, exactly.” McKenzie nodded, though there was no relief in her expression. “It’s just… when Madison and I go our separate ways someday, I’ll take you with me.” She paused, watching for his reaction, but when she saw none, she continued. “It’s like I said. I can protect you. I’ve made sure you’ll always be protected. But… Mom will be with Madison.”

Greg’s chest tightened at her words, a mix of understanding and sadness filling him. He had always known there would come a day when things would shift again. McKenzie was practical, and this was her way of preparing for the inevitable. But hearing it out loud, Mom will be with Madison, made it real.

“I don’t know the future, Dad,” McKenzie said, her voice faltering slightly. “I don’t know how it’ll all work out, but I need you to understand. When that time comes, my intention is to take you with me, wherever I go. If I move away, if life takes me somewhere else… you’ll come with me. But Mom… she’ll be with her favorite child.” She looked away, her eyes focused on something distant, unable to bear the weight of her father’s gaze. She hated how selfish she sounded, how spoiled. She didn’t want to see the disappointment she imagined must be on his face.

“You know how Mom and I get if we’re in the same room for too long,” McKenzie continued, her voice quieter now, almost apologetic. “It’s just… I know she’s your wife, and I know it’s selfish of me. It’s not fair to ask this of you. But you picked me, Dad. You chose me, and I thought… you know…” Her voice trailed off, the unspoken words lingering in the air, heavy with guilt and longing.

Greg felt the weight of her words pressing on him, the raw vulnerability she was exposing. He understood what she was trying to say, the unspoken plea beneath her hesitant words. She wanted him with her. She needed him. And as much as she loved Cindy, there was too much unresolved pain between them.

“Kenzie, honey,” Greg began gently, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “I am forever in your corner. You know that. You and Madison are the world to me. I’ll always be here for you.” He paused, choosing his next words carefully, his heart aching with the knowledge of what he had to say. “The distance… your mother and I will work that out. We’ve gotten through so much already.”

He managed a small, comforting smile, hoping to ease her worry. “I mean, they have FaceTime for Littles, don’t they? We can still talk—habitat to habitat, video calls, whatever. I’ll always be wherever you need me, Kenzie. I’m your Little.”

The words felt strange coming out of his mouth, but for the first time, Greg meant them. He wasn’t just acknowledging his new role, he was accepting it. He wasn’t going to abandon Cindy, but he couldn’t deny McKenzie either. She had chosen to take on this responsibility, to carry the burden of his care, and he would be there for her in whatever way he could.

McKenzie’s lips trembled as she listened, tears threatening to spill, but she quickly blinked them away. “Thank you, Dad. I just needed to hear you say that. I needed to know that you’ll still be you… that I won’t lose you.”

“You won’t lose me,” Greg said firmly, his voice filled with quiet determination. “I won’t become like Trina. I promise.”

They both sat in silence for a moment, the air heavy with understanding. Greg knew what McKenzie was asking of him, and while it felt like a betrayal of Cindy in some small way, he also knew it was what had to happen. McKenzie needed him—now more than ever.

And yet, in the back of his mind, Greg couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, in the end, this made him the bad guy. A bad husband, perhaps. But a good father. He loved Cindy, and he would never abandon her, but how could he say no to his daughter, his guardian now. He knew this day was still far off, years away. McKenzie had two more years of school, and Madison had four. It wasn’t something that would happen overnight. Who knew what the world would look like by then?

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