Jezebeth’s hands trembled as she carried the doll back to the parlor. The morning light streamed through the house, cold and unforgiving, making every step feel heavier. Her mother would be up soon, and Jezebeth couldn’t risk her noticing anything was amiss.

The parlor was still and quiet, the air thick with dust motes. Jezebeth approached the shelf where Sarah Lee Wonder belonged, the empty spot glaring at her like an accusation. She carefully placed the doll back in its place, angling its head just the way her mother liked.

Her breath quickened as she adjusted its arms, her fingers brushing against the cool porcelain. The doll felt heavier than it should, its painted eyes glinting faintly in the morning light. Jezebeth shook the thought away and took a step back.

“There,” she muttered, her voice barely audible.

She glanced around the room, her gaze landing on the replacement glass case sitting on a nearby table. Jezebeth had found it in the attic—a slightly taller, slightly dustier version of the original. But it would have to do.

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With careful hands, she lifted the case and slid it over the doll. The glass caught the light, casting faint reflections across the room. Jezebeth exhaled slowly, her shoulders relaxing for the first time in hours.

It was perfect—or close enough.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway, and Jezebeth’s heart leapt. Her mother appeared in the doorway, her sharp eyes scanning the room before landing on Jezebeth.

“What are you doing in here?” Elizabeth asked, her tone brisk and suspicious.

Jezebeth froze. “I... I noticed the doll looked dusty,” she lied quickly. “I thought I’d clean it before you saw.”

Elizabeth’s gaze shifted to Sarah Lee Wonder, now safely encased on its shelf. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she stepped closer.

Jezebeth held her breath, watching as her mother inspected the doll. She brushed a hand over the glass case, her fingers leaving faint smudges.

She turned to Jezebeth, her expression softening slightly. “Go get ready for breakfast. And stay out of my things.”

Jezebeth nodded, murmuring an apology before hurrying out of the room.

As she disappeared down the hallway, the doll sat silently under its glass case, its painted smile as serene as ever. But its head tilted ever so slightly to one side, just enough to catch the faintest sliver of sunlight.