Dolls

A standing layer of dust

Covered every inch

Of every surface

And as I perused slowly

The smell curled and soured

The scent of abandonment

I ran a finger over glass

Cabinets laden with antiques

The dust piling under my touch

Something stirred within

I stopped

And leaned in close

Porcelain placid face

Stared out at me

Hand held up

And beckoning

Then her mouth

Twisted slowly

Into smile

Teeth shimmering in the dark

Human teeth

Children’s teeth…

I should have ran

But I stood

Frozen by fear

As the doll stood up

Pressing forehead to glass

A crack appeared

Down its head

Slowly spreading

Then opening

The jagged edges

Lined with yet more teeth

And within

Something fleshy

And quick

Pressed into the glass

Sucking

Needy

Hungry

I awoke screaming

On the floor

Of that self same shop

And readied myself

For yet one more pass

The fear repeating over again

Just as acute

Just as sharp