It was unnerving to see those golden hues once again. Those eyes of indifference that gaze to nothing and yet it felt like it was staring at you specifically. The puppet is one of many creations in the room surrounded by other puppets and dolls in all of their refinery, yet this was the only one who was human-like, being the size of a grown man as he sits there unmoving almost akin to an actual person.

You were from a family of puppeteers, familiar to the concept of puppetry and the creation of the work to give the illusion of life and emotions. Though ‘Kiem’, as your elders called him, was a unique case for his size and complexity. You weren’t sure what made him so special for he was rarely used and kept hidden away from prying eyes. Not even you can catch any glances, always being scolded if you dare try to satisfy your curiosity being told that he wasn’t ready to be seen. At least until now as Kiem was given into your possession after they had passed away.

It was sudden, now being the only one left within the residence with only you and the work your family had left behind. After the funeral you were given the key to the workshop, where he would be residing in waiting along with the other creations.

This was the first time you ever got to see Kiem in full view. You can tell he had an extreme amount of work put into his appearance. If you didn’t know any better, you could’ve mistaken him to be an actual person. A note was left on the workshop’s table that was for you to read along with a set of tools on standby.

‘Kiem will protect you when we cannot be by your side any longer. He will care for you and protect you from danger.’

You could not comprehend the message. Kiem was merely a puppet. Something inanimate and not a living thing. What did they mean by protecting you?

Examining the motionless puppet once more, your hand reaches out to him to see some sort of answers to prove those words. Your answer was given to the sound of wood moving, coming from the puppet that was actually moving right in front of your eyes almost as if he’s awakening. Kiem begins to blink, processing the surroundings before leaning forward to your open hand. He calmly rests his cheek against your palm, letting out a quiet sigh with a deep voice emitting from him.

“Mmm…warm.”