“What have I told you about pestering your little sister?” he eyes each and every one of his daughters whose heads sunk low, “You are all too old for this nonsense!”

      “I apologize Father.” Adele swiftly bowed her head.

      “Me too Father!” Beatrice quickly added.

He grinned,

     “Good. Now that we have that cleared up...Doll my love-”

I cringed.

He has always called me

Doll

Ever since he laid

His eyes on me

Back in the auction. 

     “Tomorrow is your birthday!” he threw his hands up and slammed his elbows down on the table, cupping his face in his hands, “You’re turning the ripe age of 21! How do you feel?”

I let out a forced laugh,

      “I feel fine Dad.”

I’m the only person

Who calls him Dad

And strangely

He allows it.

     “There’s a party tomorrow right?” I inquired.

      “Yes! It wouldn't be right if we didn't throw a party for my sweet young girl! Every Beauty in Brimencia has been invited.” he explained, “Maybe then you can make more friends than that Ghost who hangs around the city and...more.”

I let out a sigh, “Maybe? But thank you Dad. I really appreciate it!”

I was never the one

To make normal friends.

I always loved

Those who are different.

And “that Ghost” is no different.

      “You’re very welcome Doll. Now then, sometime today you all will go shopping for tomorrow's occasion. Since this is a special time, I trust you all to choose your own dresses!” he announced and a sweeping “finally” was spoken by all.

King Tsunarius

Always controlled

What we ate,

Drank,

What time we slept

And what we wore.

He controlled anything

He could.

I mean,

Whose to stop him?

Each one of us

Was bought at one time

Or another.