Is Lauren Playing?

We’ve been hit by a sudden spate of little girls ringing the bell to ask if Lauren is playing.  This is great news, as she’s always been somewhat shy about making friends.  But I find myself strangely discomforted by it too.  I’ve tried to work out why this is, working through the obvious reasons (what if she has an accident, my little girl is growing up, etc.) and while I wouldn’t claim to be immune to any of these, none feels like it explains my anxiety.  I’lll try to remember that this is a good thing, and hope that I grow out of the rest of it.

Practical note: Sam doesn’t get such calls, though he does sometimes tag along.  We’re trying to balance letting him play out too with not burdening Lauren with having to drag her kid brother along all the time.  In due course I expect she won’t think to thank me for that.