The Dollhouse

Elena liked her job. The Marcel-Wilsons were kind, and they had a large, beautiful home. Elena worked hard, and did her best to bond with the children.

Max was a sticky little boy with unruly black hair.

"He was getting better with the thumb-sucking and bed-wetting," his mother said. "Until the last au pair left."

Max followed her at a distance, his huge dark eyes fixed on her. As if he was afraid she'd just disappear.

The only time he said anything was when she went in the playroom. He tugged on her shirt. She couldn't have been more surprised if a baby deer had walked out of the forest and nipped at her elbow. Max pulled his thumb out of his mouth with a plop. "Don't go near the House." He pointed to the antique dollhouse in the corner.

"OK," Elena said. He beamed, softened.

His big sister Lily was... different. Her hair hung loose to her waist, but always looked like it'd just been combed. She was polite, but her smile arrived a moment too late, lasted a second too long. Elena never saw her run, or giggle, or wear jeans. Always dresses (quite old-fashioned), ankle socks, and shiny shoes.

She'd been frosty on Elena's first day. She'd stepped close, saying, "That's my room." She pointed to the closed door. "You don't go in there."

"Okay, of course," Elena had tried her most reassuring smile. A heartbeat later, Lily smiled, too. Wide and bright, but not with her eyes.

Elena kept her promise, and they'd got on fine. Lily remained aloof, but she never made a mess, and was never rude.

One Tuesday, Lily said, "Max wants to watch a movie." That smile again. Late. Cold. "He likes Disney. And fresh popcorn with M&Ms mixed in."

Elena prepared his snack and left him goggling at the enormous screen, scooping sweets into his mouth.

Lily followed Elena down the hallway. "It's messy in there," she said, pointing at the playroom.

Elena peeked round the door. Sure enough, there were books and crayons scattered about, and someone had been playing with the dollhouse.

She stepped into the room, Lily's eyes boring into her back.

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Author's Note:

Word count: 366

(NB. This excludes the title, subtitle, and authors note.)

Submitted on Friday 30th August at 23:58

Edited for formatting and to fix links.

A Year of Stories: I'm writing (and submitting, here) a story every day this year. This one continues my 243 day streak since 1st January.

Please consider lending your support to the other creators on this madcap "a story every day" adventure. They're putting out excellent content every day!

Rachel Deeming

Gerard DiLeo

The story behind the story: This goes with Can't Beat the House.

Thank you

Especially if you are one of the wonderful people who has been staunchly reading these daily scribbles since the start of the year. I see you, and appreciate you very much indeed!

If you enjoyed this one, the very best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another!

A recent Runner Up placement for one of my Wanky Poems:

Another recent challenge entry:

My look back at July:

My reflections on the recent nonet challenge:

My current Dollar Challenge:

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Thank you again!