A Practiced Personhood

“…are you sure you’re not a doll?”

“Oh, c’mon, don’t act like that’s not normal.”

“You seriously believe everyone growing up practiced their facial expressions in the mirror until they could imitate the people on TV?”

“You make it sound like I’m doing impressions.”

“You kind of are, aren’t you?”

“No, just… That’s just how you learn the basics right? How to look when you’re happy or sad or neutral or someone’s yelling at you…”

“Those are supposed to be automatic.”

“What, you just know what face you’re supposed to make?”

“If you’re a person, yes! People don’t sculpt their facial expressions intentionally!”

“…really?”

“No wonder you can’t take care of yourself. Come along then, doll. Let’s find you someone who knows how to keep a thing like you.”

“Yes, Miss.”