Doll Face: a story in 60 seconds

Always take care of your toys

“Isn’t she adorable?” her mom asked. “Look, she has pigtails just like you!”

The little girl pawed at the box and peered through the plastic film. She shook it and set it back down.

Her mom frowned. “Aren’t you going to open it?”

The little girl just shook her head.

“What is it, baby? Are you still upset about Daddy?”

Silence.

Her mom sighed and stared up at the ceiling. “So am I…” she muttered. She looked back at her daughter.  “You’ll never leave Mommy, will you?”

Before the girl could answer, a timer began to beep.

“Shoot,” she muttered before standing up and rushing toward the kitchen.

Once alone, the girl turned her attention to the box in front of her. She reached out and began undoing the cardboard flaps. The doll was tied down to a flimsy piece of cardboard. The girl carefully undid the restraints and pulled it free. She held the doll before her and stared into its lifeless blue eyes.

A string dangled from the back, and the girl pulled at it tenderly. As it slowly slithered back, the doll opened its mouth.

“Where am I?” it asked.

“You’re in my house,” the girl whispered back.

The doll didn’t answer, so she tugged at the string again.

“Help me!” it called out.

“How?” the little girl mumbled back.

Silence.

Another pull of the string.

“I’m trapped,” the doll replied. “I need to get out of here. Please, help me.”

“What should I do?” the girl asked, yanking the string.

“There’s a switch on my back,” the doll said. “Flip it. That will set me free. Please, do it fast. I’m so scared.”

The little girl glanced around the room. Her mom was still in the kitchen, and the house smelled like burnt cookie dough. She picked up the doll and felt the switch on its back…

A few seconds later, her mom dashed into the living room, holding a platter of overcooked chocolate chip cookies.

“Alright, cookies are ready!” she shouted as she put the tray onto the coffee table. She glanced around the room. “Honey bear? Are you in the bathroom?”

Silence.

She glanced down at the floor and saw the doll’s cool eyes staring back at her. She picked it up and pulled the string.

“Mommy,” the doll said. “Mommy, I’m scared. I want to go home.”

A jagged smile spread across her mother’s face as she cradled the doll in her arms. “Don’t worry, baby,” she cooed. “You are home. And mommy isn’t ever going to let you go.” 

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