Now where’d that hat of yours go? You’ve been looking everywhere, and…
Oh, there it is, resting on the head of your First Doll, which appears to be imitating your body language as it gives orders to the other dolls.
You hold out your hand, giving it a pointed look.
“I hope we’re all having fun with this game. Now, let’s have that hat back.”
As silly as it looks in a hat that clearly doesn’t fit its head as well as yours, you have to admit it pulls off a convincingly imperious expression as it turns to note your arrival.
“There you are, my doll,” it says to you. “Yes, we all enjoyed this game, but it’s time for your witch to reassume her proper role in this house. I may allow you another turn to play with my hat someday, but not before your sisters all have their chance.”
You sigh. Your dolls can get so very caught up sometimes in these games of pretend, and you wonder if they really do forget their place, or if they’re just being bratty when they realize the game is over.
It’s kind of charming, honestly, but you can’t let them know that.
You put on your most serious Witch In Charge expression, hands on your hips, and give a firm glare.
You open your mouth to speak, but you find your doll speaking the same words in unison with you.
“Remember your place in this house, doll.”
Through her voice travels a sort of magic a doll should not possess, something she had to have learned in secret, something…
Something is wrong. Your own magic slips away, your head feels foggy. You lift a hand to your head, trying to hold in your leaking sense of self…
Your witch’s intense glare slowly softens into an amused half-smile. “Ready to get back to your duties, doll?”
You pout. You stomp. You fold your arms across your chest. You wanted to keep being the witch!
But you nod and rejoin your sisters, looking forward to next time.