2023

CAMMEO:
… I told you, Tahariel texted me to let me know
that she put Charlotte in the living room. 

MEZ:
Why? And why didn’t you bring Charlotte with us?
Cammeo, I know something’s going on so just tell me.

CAMMEO:
Oh Mez, I think something’s wrong with Charlotte.

MEZ:
Like what? She’s just a doll.

CAMMEO:
Well, for one thing, I saw her move.

MEZ:
Maaaaybe one of the strings inside of
her shifted, or something?

CAMMEO:
No, I saw her, and there’s more. Sometimes, I get this
uncomfortable feeling from her … 

CAMMEO:
… You think I’m going mad, don’t you?

MEZ:
No, and that’s what scares me.

 

MEZ:
… So what you’re saying is - this doll is alive?

CAMMEO:
I don’t know, but sometimes she has a familiar presence about her. 

MEZ:
I know I’m gonna hate the answer to this but  …

CAMMEO:
It’s Herita.

MEZ:

No, anyone but her.

CAMMEO:
I’m not happy about it either, but sometimes I feel as if
my sister’s standing right beside me when Charlotte is near.

MEZ:
OK then, let’s find out if Herita’s in there.

CAMMEO:
What are you going to do?

MEZ:
I’m gonna pick her up and drop her - unless you don’t want me to.

CAMMEO:
Do you really think you ought to? What am I saying?
Yes, you should - but do be careful, I don’t want her to break. 

MEZ:
Either do I.

CAMMEO:
… And watch her hands, they’re quite delicate. 

MEZ:
If you’re in there  speak now or you’re going down … OK then.

CLUNK

MEZ:
Nothing.

CAMMEO:
It’s possible she’s just … empty.

MEZ:
Explain ‘empty’ to me.

CAMMEO:
I don’t always sense her, but now you’ve shown me
a way to check next time I do.

MEZ:
Cammeo, how could this be happening, and why?

CAMMEO:
I haven’t quite worked that out as of yet.

MEZ:
Man, how I hate magic - and this means the only way to
get rid of her is with more magic. 

CAMMEO:
I’m afraid so. But, if it is Herita, then perhaps it’s for the best.

MEZ:
You can’t be serious. 

CAMMEO:
She can’t hurt me Mez, not anymore. 

MEZ:
She knows magic.

CAMMEO:
No, she’s a potion maker, which she can’t do as long as
she’s trapped in that small body.  Think on it -  she can’t
even reach the stove, much less carry most ingredients.

MEZ:
No, but she could start a fire right in here, or
what if she can move to another person’s  body?

CAMMEO:
Oh dear, I hadn’t thought of that. I know,
better tell Lu. She’ll know what to do.