“ Grandma made you something, dear. “
Lesley whispered to you sweetly, slowly setting down a large box with ease, despite it looking very heavy.
“ Go on!, “
She smiled at you with that stare. Most found it unnerving or scary… but that was your grandmama!
“ Pull of the ribbon, love. At the top. “
You walked over and grabbed one piece of the ribbon with your little hand and backed away as you pulled— The four sides fell to reveal a large, open-able dollhouse! Painted, but not decorated.
“ You love playing with my dollhouse so much, I decided it would be wonderful if you had one of your very own! You can decorate the inside however you like, I painted it, but if you’d like we could always make changes. “
Lesley squatted by your side, pointing to every small room of the sprawling dollhouse.
“ And here’s the attic! Your special place. Dolls don’t go here, alright? They belong downstairs. “
Her gloved finger drifted to where the kitchen could go.
“ Remember, darling, “
Lesley took your little hands in her bigger ones.
“ You have to take care of this okay?? And the folks who live inside. “
You nodded in agreement, eyes excitedly drifting to your new toy.
“ Good! Now… let’s go make some dolls for you, alright??? “
She stood up, still holding one of your hands.
“ How does.. three sound??? “