Abby Doll

Stepping back into the frozen ballroom felt like entering a perfectly staged photograph. The glittering disco lights cast unmoving shards of color across the still figures on the dance floor. Couples were caught mid-dip, their faces frozen in expressions of joy or concentration. By the punch bowl, a girl held a cup to her lips, her throat working in a silent swallow.

“It’s like a buffet,” Katie murmured, her eyes scanning the room with a predatory gleam. She adjusted the strap of her red dress, her movements slow and deliberate. “Who gets the honor of being the last one?”

Mark’s gaze swept across the room, passing over frozen classmates he’d known for years. There was Megan, the cheerleading captain, her arm thrown around her boyfriend’s neck. There was Kevin, the star quarterback, stuck laughing at a joke. Each was a possibility, a potential addition to their gallery.

Then, he saw her.

Near the edge of the dance floor, standing alone, was Abby Greene. She was wearing a simple light green dress that hugged her slender figure. Her red hair was piled up on her head in an elegant knot, with a few loose curls framing her face. She was looking off toward the stage, a soft, hopeful smile on her lips, as if she were waiting for someone to ask her to dance. She was his lab partner, the girl who always blushed when he helped her with a chemistry problem, the one he knew had a crush on him.

“You know, I’ve always wondered what she looked like under that dress,” Katie said, following Mark’s gaze. “She’s a little plain for my taste, but I know you’ve had your eye on her.”

Mark could feel the familiar heat building in his groin. Abby was cute, yes, but it was more than that. There was a certain innocence about her, a vulnerability that made her the perfect candidate.

“Well I think your going to get your wish, because I choose Abby.” Mark told Katie.

“A fine choice my love,” Katie said as she gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Let's go get our last doll of the night. ”

As they approached Abby, Mark felt a thrill run through him. He reached out and gently brushed a stray curl from her cheek. Her skin was soft and smooth.

“You won’t be waiting long, Abby,” he whispered, knowing she couldn’t hear him.

He took a step back, admiring her one last time as a living, breathing person. Then, with a final, decisive word, he sealed her fate.

“Abby, stop.”

The hopeful smile remained on Abby’s lips, her blue eyes still fixed on the stage. She was now a part of their collection, a frozen beauty waiting to be unwrapped.

“Let's get her to the limo,” Mark said, scooping Abby up in his arms. She was lighter than he expected.

The limo was getting crowded now. The five new dolls—Annabelle, Adam, Rachel, Becca, and Abby—were crammed together on the floor and seats. Their frozen bodies were arranged in a tangle of limbs and formal wear.

Mark carefully placed Abby on the seat next to Rachel.