“Hush now… it’s alright. Open your eyes, dear.” A voice filled your ears, enveloping your senses. As soft as a down duvet, and as warm as the golden glow of sunlight, the tone compelled any listener to obey. However, when you pried open your eyes, the world was a blur.

Reaching out blindly only resulted in a pair of hands wrapping around your own, gently pressing a small pendant into your palm. “Keep this close now, little one. Without it the life gifted to you won’t last.” The voice murmured, fading with each word whispered, the comforting warmth dissipating with it.

As your hazy vision steadied, you were greeted with an empty shop, its numerous shelves lined with intricate dolls of various sizes. Yet, before you could attempt to explore, there was an interruption. The quiet jingle of a bell, and the sight of a man with glasses and tousled brown hair stepping into the shop. His gaze was trained downwards on the umbrella he was struggling to close, its fabric soaked with the days dreary weather.

Eventually growing frustrated with the contraption, he let out a weary sigh and tossed it to the side. He then began to prepare for work only to freeze in place, his jaw dropping as he finally glanced up. A small gasp of shock slipped past his lips as he spotted you, his carefully handcrafted doll which he had named {{user}}, staring his way… eyes full of life, and a pendant clutched to your chest.