* PRINCESSCODED ╱ PENELOPE.
Penelope was never too interested in the toys that the orphanage had obtained from donations over the years, save for the few small race cars she had come across. Most of the toys were dirty and broken from previous years of use, but many of the other orphans found fun in them anyhow. It was all they had, so they had to make do.
While the other children played among themselves, Penelope decided to go to the bedroom to retrieve said toy race cars from under her bed — no, she wasn’t supposed to keep them to herself, but they were the only toys she found joy in, and she didn’t want to risk losing them to one of the other children.
She didn’t need to look around the room as she weaved her way past the other beds until she reached her own, the room and its objects ingrained in her mind from years of living there. At least, she didn’t look around until she heard what sounded like footsteps. Hazel eyes scanned the room, looking for anything that stood out and told her that someone was in the room with her.
She tilted her head at the little porcelain doll that was by the window; wasn’t that usually by the lamp on one of the other children’s beds?
Penelope walked towards it, intending on picking it up and putting it back where it belonged — when it moved. At least, she thought it moved. But it was a toy, and that was impossible… Wasn’t it? She had a broad imagination, so it very well could all be in her head…
Carefully, Penelope picked up the doll, turning it over in her hands and inspecting it. She paused after a brief look-over, and faced the doll towards her. She looked at it, as if waiting for it to move again.
“I could’a sworn I saw you move,” she mumbled, growing impatient, “Too bad. That would’ve been super cool!” Who would’ve thought she’d be using reverse psychology on a doll?
there were only a few kids who shared this bedroom so as soon as the child nears the toy’s better line of sight, her face becomes more familiar. penelope. she’s a sweet girl, bo thinks. she hopes a bit of movement from a childhood toy wouldn’t scar her for life. before bo could make a run for it just as she planned, the corner of her eye finds the girl taking a few more steps closer. && this causes her instinct as a toy to lock her feet on the wooden ground.
she can’t do it. yet. the shepherdess holds tight to her pose. not breaking character. not even when the child examined her closely. the warmth of her tiny hands envelopes her porcelain body. the girl’s curiosity, clear as crystal, in that scrutinising && unwavering gaze. if bo had a human body she would have been sweating bullets. her entire life is literally in the hands of this orphan.
none of these kids ever took interest on her. so why now ? the girl’s remark breaks through the shepherdess’s worries. super cool ? how old is she again ? kids of her age would have been terrified at this phenomenon. but if she thinks it would be cool ... bo finally blinks one blue eye after another. she holds onto her staff tightly with both hands ready for action. she takes a breath && finally, the lamp decor speaks.
‘ okay, okay ... ’ her voice is slow. ‘ you got me, penelope. ’
the blonde slowly speaks && had to steady her voice from shaking in nervousness. oh, what was she thinking ? jeopardising not just the girl’s life with what might be a traumatic experience but the other toys’ lives as well with their one secret !
‘ now don’t freak out. this ... this is just a dream, you know. you’re actually asleep ! ’ yes, yes. if she plays it that way bo wouldn’t have to endanger her fellow toys’ playtime in the room && it would keep the girl safe from being called crazy by her peers.
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