So maybe the child wasn’t quite ‘defective’ as you had claimed but there’s no way they’d take it otherwise. Granted you could only get a part refund as it’s warranty was almost up but honestly, you were just glad to have it out of the house.

It started off odd but not bad. You weren’t worried.

So it said a few things that were questionable but you could handle it. You weren’t scared.

But then it got worse.

The things it said got bad, really bad. The questions got stranger and the comments more disturbing until you sat there fearing each time it opened its mouth.

It stared at you when you made the call for it to be replaced. They couldn’t help you out much but the relief you felt when they said they could pick it up within the week was immeasurable.

The only issue now was the wait.

His-No it’s big brown eyes stared at you. It’s small-plastic!-hand gripped yours as you nudged him into the large cardboard box.

“But Mommy. I don’t want to go,” he pouted slightly and you looked away, avoiding his stare, “They’re gonna get me, Mommy. Please don’t let them get me!”

The magazine was sure to offer a great replacement.