The Dollmaker's Curse
It was on a misty autumn afternoon that Lily first received Rose. Her parents had taken her to the town’s annual fair, a small, charming event where local artisans showcased their crafts. The booth of an elderly dollmaker caught Lily’s eye. Among the wooden toys and stuffed animals sat a porcelain doll, its eyes seemingly alive, watching everyone who passed by. The doll was dressed in a delicate lace gown, her blonde curls cascading down her shoulders, and her tiny shoes were perfectly polished. She was breathtaking, and Lily was mesmerized.