CHAPTER 6 The Girl Behind the Doll

Veronica awoke gradually and saw her doll lying next to her, sporting this little, like-knowing smile.

"My darling Veronica, how are you?" the doll whispered gently as if it actually did care.

Veronica smiled, feeling a little comfort in her chest. "Good doll," she replied.

The doll moved closer and bestowed on her a soft peck on her cheek.

"Wanna see the real me?" it asked, low voice and with an air of mystery.

Without hesitation, Veronica nodded. "Yes!"

"Okay, but I must have one thing from you first," the doll replied with a small smile.

"What is it?" Veronica asked, interest welling up.

The doll smiled once more, kissed her again, and instructed, "Lie down with me."

Veronica blinked in uncertainty, but complied.  The doll then gently settled down on top of her body, lying softly and carefully so it wasn’t uncomfortable or scary

"Close your eyes," the doll whispered.

When Veronica opened them, there was a girl sitting right before her — familiar, but from another time.

"You're the girl from long ago, aren't you?" Veronica whispered.

"Yeah, they use to call me   Elizabeth," she said softly. "There's something I need to show you."

They stepped into Elizabeth's world.

Veronica saw someone in the distance and asked, "Who's that?"

Elizabeth's voice lowered. "That's the boy who only ever said 'How are you?' and then vanished."

Veronica's eyes opened wide as she looked — the boy had one less eye, leg, and arm.

"I did that," Elizabeth spoke quietly, with a glint of menace behind her words.

Veronica shivered but could not turn away.

"Home time?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yeah," Veronica said, still panting.

Back at Veronica’s place, they arrived together.

Elizabeth gave Veronica a soft kiss goodbye, then transformed back into the doll.