Not

Darlene sighed as she looked at the mess, smiling also as she began to pick up toys and clothes and books. She focused on the stuffed animals first (of maximum importance to little Stevie), putting Whats in their box and Nots into their place in the air. "Need coffee?" Brad called up from downstairs. "Oh, yes," she sang back. "So much yes. Ugh ... crap. Where was I?" Darlene took a deep breath and tried to remember her last movements: Bear in the box, then leaning down to get Not Bear ... "Okay, okay," she whispered, relieved. "Whew." She mimed holding Not Bear and put it carefully into its invisible place. Sure, anybody looking in would think she'd lost her freaking mind - anybody who didn't know Stevie and how doors to forever just seemed to open around her (anybody who hadn't heard Not Bear growl when left alone and waiting on the carpet). "Next!" Darlene called out, putting her hands on Sparkle Squishy Ball. It was easy to judge ... when you were Not Them.