summer2025
Maestro

16
Your mother got a large, human sized doll/mannequin from an antique store and everyone was talking about what a unique find it was, in such great as it was. They remarked that that dollโs skin was so realistic, except for how perfectly soft and smooth it was, youโd think it human.
You stared at the doll for days, transfixed and feeling a strange pull. One night, as you made your tea, you could swear you heard the doll disapprovingly ask if you โreally need that much honey?โ But you just laughed and sat down across from the doll, whispering, โI promise I wonโt stay up all night.
Eventually, at night, you started to press soft kisses goodnight to the dollโs lips, every night. Youโd run your fingers through his hair, kiss his forehead, hug him and whispered, quietly, โI love youโ sometimes and his skin felt as if it got warm under your touch.