The Unveiled Rose

"It's me," came a reply from the doll.

Willow's mouth dropped open in shock as she heard Milton's familiar voice. Zane hadn't lied to her! The doll could actually talk!

Willow's eyes sparkled with excitement. She quickly turned to another doll. "Grandma?"

"I'm here," came the reply.

Willow gasped. "Wow! This is amazing!"

As soon as she spoke, laughter echoed from the dolls, so lifelike that it felt as if Milton and Dorothy were sitting right across from her.

Willow thought that since she was just talking to her dolls, no one else would know what she said. So, she cleared her throat and solemnly said, "I love you both very much." The two replied in unison, "We love you, too."

Feeling shy, Willow rocked back and forth on the bed. "I think it's been a long time since I last talked to you. Has it been two years? Maybe even three. But I actually have so much to tell you." "Then, go ahead," Milton encouraged her.

Willow giggled softly. "I've been really good lately. I practice speaking in front of the mirror every morning. Sometimes, I run out of things to say mid-practice, so Mommy started teaching me phonics.

"She's super patient, and I've been really serious about learning. I've already memorized all the letters! So now, I can read some simple books on my own. Not only can I read them, but I can also spell and pronounce words!"

She paused briefly before continuing, "After practicing speaking, I'll move on to reading. I've kept at it for so long that my pronunciation is super clear now. The only thing left is speaking to other people." Dorothy quickly praised her, "You're really impressive, Willow!"

Willow lifted her chin proudly. "Of course! Back when some kids at school were bullying me, Daddy and Mommy stepped in for me. But they realized it wasn't helping much.

"Those kids just kept targeting me. I was stuck feeling miserable without being able to fight back. So, they hired a martial arts instructor for me.

"They said that once I get stronger, I can just knock down anyone who bullies me with one punch. That'll show them I'm not someone they can mess with."

Willow giggled as she recounted, "They told me that's the best way to solve the problem at its root."

Milton agreed wholeheartedly, "They're absolutely right."

Willow shyly continued, "But when Mr. Lardon came, he wanted to start me on basic moves, but he realized I was too weak. So, he made me start with fitness training first. "I've been super diligent. Every day after practicing speaking and reading, I go for a run. Now, Mr. Lardon says I'm fit enough, so he's finally started teaching me the basics." Dorothy asked, "Doesn't working so hard every day make you tired?"

"Maybe I've gotten used to it," Willow replied without hesitation. "I think it's fine."

Afraid they'd worry, she quickly added, "Besides, Mr. Lardon gives me the weekends off to rest."

It was only after she finished speaking that Willow remembered she was talking to dolls, not the real Milton and Dorothy.

She chuckled to herself. She'd gotten so carried away that she'd started treating them like the real thing.

She truly was still just a kid.

Upon hearing her reply, Dorothy relaxed. "That's good to hear."

Willow smiled. "Oh, and I recently made a new friend in kindergarten."