As I tripped my way over the curb in the parking lot of Windsor Happy School in Edison, New Jersey, my attention was captured by the daffodils and continued to be for the days that followed. 

These bright yellow shapes led to the entrance welcoming my fellow 4 year old classmates and I. These particular flowers indicated the prospect of the new possibilities to come that day, and  my facial expression mimicked the recurring smiley logo around the school. 

Contrary to the symbols of happiness and “goodness,” I later went on that day to begin my life of crime as I plotted to steal the 3×1 inch wooden doll from her lavish lifestyle within the floral wallpapered walls of her mansion. She wore a simple yet elegant polka dotted dress and a carved smile and remained a resident of the dollhouse in Windsor Happy School. But I planned to change that. I stared at the dollhouse and strategized my plan for the next few hours. I considered the risks of the wandering eyes within the playroom and memorized my surroundings. 

Throughout the rest of the day, I faced many complications, including my selfish peers who disrupted my plan by playing with the doll and moving her from her temporary holding space. In efforts to construct my alibi and distance between myself and the forthcoming crime scene, I childishly played with the uninteresting stuffed animals across the room, however never letting the wooden doll escape my peripheral vision. Minutes before pickup, I made my way towards the wooden mansion, walking to the accelerating beat of my heart. I captured the doll from her sanctuary and smuggled her home wrapping her in my fingers hidden from my teachers that towered over me. As I exited the school, I looked back at the daffodils and smiled, satisfied with the result of their encouragement, intending to take it with me along with the wooden doll.