Madeleine, the Picture of Compassion

Auntie Caitlyn came over for a sleepover a few nights ago, much to the delight of her nieces.  In fact, Madeleine was so excited to have her auntie here that she completely shunned both her parents and asked for Auntie Caitlyn to put her to bed.  And just the bed-putting clearly wasn't enough.  After stories, a song, and some snuggles, plus some extra minutes of chatter, Auntie Caitlyn had to leave to go pick up Auntie Shannon, who had missed the last bus of the day on her way home from work.

All seemed well enough at first, but after about fifteen minutes, Madeleine came out of her bedroom calling, "Caaaaaitlyn?"

ME: Honey, Auntie Caitlyn isn't here.  Come on, let's go back to your bed.  (Walking Madeleine into her room and climbing into bed with her.)
MADELEINE: But where IS she?
ME: She had to go pick up Auntie Shannon from the train station.  Do you want some Mommy snuggles?
MADELEINE: No.
ME: How about I get Daddy and he can snuggle you?
MADELEINE: No thanks.  I just want Auntie Caitlyn.
ME: Well, honey, she's not here.
MADELEINE: But why did she have to go pick up Shannon?
ME: Well, Auntie Shannon missed the bus, and there are no more buses running tonight, so she would be stuck at the station all night if she didn't get a ride home.
MADELEINE: But why can't she just WALK home?
ME: Because she's not at the train station Daddy goes to.  She's in a different town, at the T.  It's too far of a walk from there.

I thought that had settled the question, and Madeleine lay still in calm, contemplative silence for some time.  Then:

MADELEINE: But Mama?  Why can't Shannon just SLEEP there?
ME: Honey, she's just sitting outside the station.  She can't just sleep on the sidewalk all night long.  That wouldn't be comfortable.
MADELEINE: (silent, thoughtful) Well Mama.  She could buy a PILLOW.

I mean, is this kid just BURSTING with empathy and compassion?  Sorry you missed the final bus, Shannon.  But tough luck.  Buy yourself a pillow so you have a soft spot to rest your head while you lay on the sidewalk in a city that you don't live in.  You gotta understand that Madeleine simply can't sleep in her warm, cozy bed, inside our warm, cozy house, without Auntie Caitlyn snuggling her.  See ya in the morning!