Writer Highlight Featuring Ramona Wooten: The Doll

All of the windows sparkled in the sunlight as I window shopped through the small town. I stopped on the corner. The little shop looked out of place. An open sign on the door was the only proof it was still in business. I spoke aloud
“Oh yes my kind of place, an antique store.”
I felt excited as peeked into the filthy window. Mary tugged on my hand;
“Can we go in mommy?”
A tiny old woman greeted us at the door. Mary instantly picked up an antique doll.
“Can I get it mommy? Well, you have a birthday soon, so that will be your birthday gift.”
The shop was full of unique things, but I was pressed for time. I paid for doll and promised the old lady I would be back soon. Mary stayed in her room all week end, only coming out to eat. She constantly talked to her new doll she named Annie. She loved her new play mate. Mary hurried with her breakfast;
“I have to get back and play with Annie, she talks to me you know. Now, Mary I know Annie doesn’t talk but it is ok to pretend. No momma she really talks! “
I knew all little kids had imaginary playmates so I let her believe her fairy tale. Mary hated to leave Annie but she could not take her to school. She hugged Annie tight and kissed her crackled face.
“I don’t want to leave you but I have to go to school.”
I waved goodbye;
“I promise I will take care of Annie while you are gone.”
I decided to start on the bedrooms first. I hated making beds but it had to be done. The door to Mary’s room was shut tight. I opened the door; the room was a total mess. A gruff voice rang out in the silence
“Don’t come in here!”
I jumped, who said that? I looked around the room. I spoke aloud;
“I must be hearing things.”
I quickly picked up the toys that were scattered around the room. Annie’s eyes seemed to follow me as I moved. A small toy whizzed pass my head;
“I said get out! “
My knees buckled beneath my weak legs as I stared into Annie’s red glowing eyes. I struggled to get to the door Annie blocked my path.
“Mary is mine now. Don’t come in this room again!”
She flung the door open; “get the hell out!”
How could it be possible? Why didn’t I believe Mary? My trembling fingers fumbled through my desk for my pistol. I quietly made my way back to Mary’s room. I kicked the door open wide. The gun rang out in the silence. I stared in disbelief! Annie’s head was split in half. Her laugh was chilling to the bone. “Ha ha ha, you can’t kill me!”