A Caregiver's Secret Nighttime Rituals

I never expected to become someone’s caregiver after dropping out of grad school. It was a strange turn of events, but the person I care for, let’s call her Alice, she has this... need for me to take care of her in ways that go beyond typical caregiving. She likes it when I tuck her into bed at night and read to her from these old fairy tale books. But there's more to it than just stories; she wants me to be strict, to make sure she follows all the little rules we set up for bedtime. If she doesn't, I have to give her a time-out, like in those fairy tales where characters are punished for breaking promises or misbehaving. It’s bizarre and emotionally charged because there's no formal 'Daddy' label, but it feels as though I'm stepping into that role. I never thought I’d ever be someone’s disciplinarian or caregiver, let alone a figure who enforces bedtime rules in an adult relationship. But Alice wants this, needs it even, and she tells me it helps her feel more secure, like being back in that safe place where everything was clear-cut and there were no big decisions to make. I’m still trying to understand what this means for us both, but the nights we spend together under these circumstances are intense. I end up feeling protective and nurturing, like a father might, but also with a touch of discipline that keeps her on track. It’s not traditional or neat, but it works for Alice, so I try my best to support her in this way.