“$10.57.” said the clerk at the old antique store. i handed him my debit card and looked at the wooden table next to the register. a small clown faced doll laid sprawled across a pile of buttons, pins, and bracelets. her head made of porcelain and her body of sand and cloth. “i’d like to add this too please,” i said sweetly. he handed me my debit card and then my bag. “have a good afternoon,” he called after me as i headed towards the door. when i arrived home i set down my bag and reached for the doll. i touched up her makeup and set her neatly on my nightstand. she almost looked noticeably happier, her red smile even brighter now. i thought she resembled me somewhat, with her round face & blue eyes. RIIIIIINGRIIIIIINGRIIIIIIIING! i gasped as my alarm clock startled me awake at 5:30am. i groaned. i was still so exhausted. the sun hadn’t started peaking through my window yet and the room was dark. i leaned over to the lamp on my nightstand and switched it on. my eyes burned as they adjusted to the bright light. i gasped in horror at the small clown faced doll staring back at me from my nightstand.