"This place is a mess. Look over there in the corner Dan, that poor doll is about ready to disintegrate. I wonder why it was left in this wet basement?" mused a young woman, her mop smelling heavily of bleach.
"Probably because the face came off. Ironically, that's actually the only part that still looks somewhat normal, Barb." he said, bending over to inspect the toy.
"Well it shouldn't have been left like that. When I was little, if one of my dolls broke or wore out, I fixed it. Carla does the very same thing, even though I never told her I did it."
"Like mother, like daughter. It's really not that common though, a lot of kids don't care about their toys. You two are my special ladies." he said smiling.
"You said the face is still good? Let me see. Maybe I can salvage it." she said thoughtfully, setting the mop aside.
"I don't know, it's just the plastic that snaps on the head. The head itself looks as bad as the rest." he said, marveling at his wife's tender heart towards what almost everyone else would consider trash.
"I see what you mean, Dan. But it is a haunting face, look at that mouth. And those innocent eyes... I think I'll take it to a professional. There are places that specialize in repairing dolls, maybe they will have a body of the correct size." said Barb, as she picked up the piece of plastic, and began cleaning it with a rag.
"Really? I knew there were repair shops for toys when I was a kid, but these days, with everything being replaceable?" replied Dan, his eyebrows raised.
"Yes, it's not as profitable as it used to be, but for those who have a passion for it, it's a good hobby that can bring in a few extra dollars." she replied.
A month later:
"Have a look, Dan. I can't believe Lydia did this without ever having held the face. I couldn't get over to her place last week, so I sent her the measurements and a picture. She just popped the face onto the new doll in a few minutes! It saved me a trip all the way across town." Barb said smiling, as Dan entered the bedroom.
On the bed sat a long white box, a roll of clear tape, scissors, and unicorn wrapping paper. Nestled inside the box was a baby doll, dressed in an exquisite white nightgown.
As Dan approached, he recognized the face. It was the same one that he had seen in the basement, only perfectly clean, and the scratches and blemishes had disappeared.
"It's beautiful, Dear. Carla is going to love it." he said, embracing his wife, and placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Do you really think so? Eight is such a special age..." she said, frowning.
"I know so! It goes perfectly with the new cradle, baby clothes, and carseat that I bought for her." he replied, smiling.
"And don't forget the kitten we both chose from the animal shelter. The lady who took us in said that little white fluff ball is a purebred Persian!" she said, becoming more confident.
The next day:
"Oh, thank you! I love everything!" gushed the pale, thin child as she gazed out over a room full of adults and children. A few stray wisps of auburn hair hung over her right cheek, and as she brushed it aside, everyone could see her eyes, shining with pure joy.
When the party was over and guests escorted outdoors, Carla retired to the living room sofa, to watch her favorite movies. The new kitten laid on her chest purring, and the doll was tucked under her arm.
"We'll be down in a minute, Baby. We're just taking your new presents up to your room for you." said Dan, as he climbed the stairs with a full load, Barb right behind him with equally full arms.
Two days later:
"Have fun, and listen to Grandma Grady. Don't forget to brush your teeth." said Barb, as she carried two suitcases down the stairs. Carla followed close behind with her doll, a fluffy white kitten at her heels.
"I promise." the child replied solemnly.
"Oh no you don't, Snowball!" exclaimed Dan, as he scooped up the kitten, which was attempting to follow Carla outside.
"I do wish he could come." she said sadly, as her father gently placed the little creature on the couch.
"I know, but we can't have Grandma sneezing all week, can we?" he asked.
"No, Daddy." she replied, setting down the doll and kissing her kitten on the nose. Then she picked up the doll, and led the way out.
Much later that night:
"What's that noise, Dear?" asked Barb, gently shaking her husband's shoulder.
Yawning, he turned over and listened. "It sounds like the cat. But I better make sure." he replied grudgingly.
Making his way sleepily downstairs, he saw Snowball on the couch, peering out from under a throw pillow, shaking in terror.
"What could be making all that noise in the basement?" he wondered, while images ranging from burglars to raccoons ran through his imagination. Wide awake now, Dan crept to the closet, and selected a golf club.
Armed, he threw open the basement door, and was greeted with silence. He turned on the light, and the empty room with its concrete floor was as barren as he remembered. "It's freezing in there!" he thought to himself, shivering.
"It must have been a rat or a raccoon... I'll have a look tomorrow, and block the opening." he muttered, after listening for a long minute.
An hour later:
"Where's Dolly?!?!" screeched a voice in panic, sending both Barb and Dan to their feet instantly. The voice repeated the question, over and over. The rattling noise in the basement had resumed as well.
"Dan! What's going on?!?!" asked Barb, as she sat on the bed, her knees giving out. Soon tears were streaming down her face.
"I don't know, but it's coming from the basement. Let's get out of here. I'll book a hotel, while you pack." Dan replied, his voice shaking.
As the young couple opened the door, Snowball streaked for freedom, but Dan caught him. "You better come with us, this is no place for the living tonight!" he said, tucking the frightened animal into his jacket.
A week later:
"Hi Baby, we have one more surprise. Think of it as a late birthday present. We've bought another house, and this one has a playground in the backyard!" said Barb, neglecting to mention that she and Dan had spent two days assembling it.
"Oh, wow! Thank you! But what about the other house?" she asked, confused.
"Well we decided that we like this new one a lot better. We were having problems sleeping in the other one, Baby." said Dan truthfully.
"Oh..." replied Carla as she frowned, obviously not understanding. Which was understandable, her parents were still confused despite having experienced it first-hand.
"Also there's one more thing. I'm very sorry, but the doll I gave you for your birthday belongs to another little girl. I found it and had it repaired, but she really misses it. So I bought you a brand new one, plus a stroller and baby carriage."
Carla hugged her doll tightly, and cried silently.
"I know you're sad, but this is really important. Can you please give me the doll?" Barb asked gently.
Carla reluctantly handed her the soft bundle, and said "Goodbye, Dolly. I'll miss you, and Anna too."
Ten years later:
A beautiful doll sits on a hastily made shelf, about five feet above the concrete floor. It's in a display box, with clear plastic on the front. On its still pristine white nightgown, is taped a small piece of paper. In clearly printed letters, it says "Do not remove this doll from the basement under any circumstances."
Describe what you see:
I see a doll, neglected and left to rot. Underneath it is concrete. The only part that might be salvaged is the face.
Describe what you feel:
I feel like there must have been a reason why an obviously well used toy was left in such a place.
