I'm not sure exactly when it happened, those subtle changes. Perhaps I was too preoccupied to even notice. It hit me last night when we went to the public library.

For years, when we went to the library, Megan ran to the children's section, and that's where we hung out -- amid hundreds of children's books, colorful pictures on the walls, comfy bean bag chairs of all colors, computers with kids' games. Yes, that was the happening place, full of fun, imagination and stories.

Last night, Megan headed straight for the "Teen Zone" section. That's where she went last weekend as well. I checked out a couple of books written by authors who will be at the MFA Program residency this time around -- one YA book called "Born Blue" by Han Nolan and one children's book called "The Misfits" by James Howe. It's cool that I was able to find the books at the library. Megan grabbed "Born Blue," the young adult book, and immediately became absorbed in it. I will have to "wrench" it away from the poor kid before I leave as I must read the book before I meet its author.

"Mom," she said. "This girl wants to be a singer no matter what -- even though she's going through all this stuff!" she says excitedly.

"That's cool, Megan, but let's go to the Children's Section," I say.

Megan had already sat down and made herself comfortable at a chair next to a round table full of teen magazines, written for and about teens, and a few books and games. She had picked out a cool CD she had found in the "Teen Music" section.

Megan stood up to go look at some more books and looked at me, her head tilted a little to the side, her long red hair flowing down in front of her face, and I saw the beginnings of an eye roll.

"Mom, the children's section is for little kids. I like it here!" she says.

When had it happened?

When had the journey from the children's section of the library to the Teen Zone begun? How had I missed it? She flew by me too fast...

I watch Megan standing there, and as I look into her pretty brown eyes, I think, almost telepathically, "Please, stay with me a little while longer -- be my baby girl. I'm not quite ready to lose you yet..."

Almost as if she could read my mind, she smiles and looks at me and in her eyes I hear her say, "But, Mom, I have to keep moving. You know that."

Yes, I do know that. Somehow, without my noticing it, my little girl has drifted away, with one foot in the children's department and the other foot in the Teen Zone -- the Teen Zone seems to be winning out now.

Okay, Megan, I think, as I watch her turn around and walk towards her magazine and books, it's okay. You can come here, but I refuse to let you forget -- the Children's Department is always there for you, full of colors and fun and books with pictures in them and imagination.

Don't forget, the world of Harry Potter really does exist, and so do Hobbits, elves and dwarves, and Frodo lives, and also Peter Pan, Wendy, Mary Poppins and Alice in Wonderland. And, yes, there is a Santa.

Don't forget Megan, please don't forget.

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