the world is quiet. nobody here, other than the doll, and the ever-flowing grass.
bright stars watch it from above. they keep it safe.
perhaps if it dreamt, it could walk through them. whisper its quiet thanks.
it closes its eyes.
...
it would be wonderful to see the stars.
perhaps one day, it thinks it has enough.
to break through its window, and fly away from here. jump from field to field, and touch the stars with its very own fingertips.
...
it runs its fingers across the cracks in its shell instead.
it will be one with the stars.
one day.
an alternate world flickers through its mind.
the world where this place wasn't venomous. the world where this place was a haven.
the world where a doll was able to breathe.
…
it looks to the stars, shining upon both worlds.
it asks to go back.
…
they don't respond.









