When I opened my eyes that morning, I found myself staring directly at another—a single eye, to be precise. One of the One Eyes was kneeling beside my head.
What on—? What the hell is it doing there? How long has it been there? Why do I feel so scared... Must be my imagination.
In general, I wasn’t particularly quick to get out of bed in the mornings—I preferred to sink back under the covers for a while, waiting for my brain to catch up with my body—but my ominous hovering bedmate was enough to make today an exception. I shot out of bed.
“Uh... Good morning?” I said, stumbling over the words a little.
Couldn’t it smile or something at least? Instead of just staring at me like that... Why isn’t it saying anything? Oh, I didn’t give them a talking function. My brain’s still half asleep. Why is it staring at me, though? I don’t know what it wants me to do...
We stared at each other in silence for a while.
Eventually, a flash of movement caught my eye and startled me enough to break away from the stare. It was another One Eye entering the room.
I really wish they’d stop appearing outta nowhere... Seriously, this isn’t good for my heart.
I examined the newcomer with some curiosity (and a healthy dose of fear). It was holding something.
Clothes? Oh, are those today’s clothes? But why is a One Eye bringing them?
Usually, I woke up to find my daily outfit neatly folded on top of the headboard. I didn’t have much time to wonder about the suspicious change in routine before the One Eye handed me the bundle of clothes. I took it, still confused. Both dolls stared at me, as though waiting for my reaction.
Scary. You’re really scary, you know?!
I immediately began to strip, hoping they’d leave after I put on the new outfit. I unfolded the clothes and spread them out on the bed—before hastily refolding them and holding them back out to the One Eye, firmly shaking my head.
“I’m not gonna wear that. No way.”
No way in hell. I don’t care how much they hope otherwise, I’m not gonna wear it. Seriously, why a skirt? Where did they even learn about skirts?
The clay dolls had gained sentience. I didn’t know how—or why—and I didn’t particularly care either; until now, their sentience (while unintended) hadn’t caused me any trouble.
But a skirt was taking it too far.
I stared at the One Eyes, shaking the outstretched bundle slightly. They tilted their heads in obvious confusion.
So cute! But there’s still no way.
There were some things even cuteness couldn’t overcome, and this was one of them. Eventually, they gave in and took the clothes back, looking extremely disappointed as they did so.
“Good. I mean, can you imagine me in a pink skirt? I’d look like a real creep.”
Indeed, not only had they made me a skirt, it was also—for some reason—pink. And though I hadn’t tried it on, it definitely wouldn’t have been long enough to reach my knees.
Seriously, I would look— Nope. Not imagining it. I don’t want that image in my head all day. Hang on, there is another outfit on the headboard! So was the skirt just something those two came up with, then? Oh, who knows.
I quickly changed into the freshly laundered outfit and turned to leave the room, only to find the two previous One Eyes returning with yet another bundle of clothes.
“More new clothes? Sorry, but I’m all set for today. Can you bring them back tomorrow—?” I cut myself off suddenly, a foreboding thought flashing across my mind. “No, wait a minute.”
I took the proffered bundle, spread the clothes out on the bed, and folded them up just as quickly.
“It’s not the length or the color that’s the problem, okay? It’s the fact that it’s a skirt. Do you get it?”
My new outfit had included a long, light-green skirt this time; they’d clearly misunderstood the reason behind my earlier refusal. The One Eyes looked at one another, clearly puzzled.
Did you get it or not— Oh, great, what now?!
A third One Eye bustled into the room, holding, of course, more clothes. I sighed and accepted the bundle, laying it out like I had the others to confirm my suspicions.
Great, a dress... Hang on, just how many of these have they already made?! I’m too scared to ask.
“Um, okay— See this loose, flowing bit? I can’t wear anything like this.” I pointed to the lower half of the dress and made an X with my arms. All three of the dolls nodded in unison.
Okay, I think they finally understand. Phew. I was starting to think I’d just be presented with hundreds of different skirts until I just gave up and put one on...
After making sure they’d left the room for good this time, I collapsed onto the bed.
“I’m beat already. I mean, I didn’t expect to be attacked by skirts first thing in the morning...”
It seemed like I’d got the point across, though. After a few minutes, I got to my feet and left the room successfully, skirting any further surprises.
I need to clear my head after that... Maybe I should go for a run after breakfast.
Breakfast was simple—salad and soup. After gorging myself on meat the night before, I needed a light, refreshing meal to start the day. After breakfast, I moved outside to the deck and relaxed on one of the many seats, watching the Farm Brigade at work in the fields (which I was now prohibited to enter). Many of the spiders and ants seemed to be helping out too.
Why am I the only one who can’t go into the fields? Surely there must be a reason...
I racked my brain but couldn’t think of an explanation.
“Grrr.”
I looked in the direction of the sound and jumped as I locked eyes with Koa. Her face scared me just as much as it always did, but her movements—like gently headbutting my hand—were adorable. Actually, even her face had become kinda cute lately.
“Morning, Koa. Looks like another nice day, hey?” I said, starting to pet her. She wagged her tail from side to side excitedly, which only made me start petting her even more enthusiastically, ruffling her fur between both hands. Tail wagging ferociously, she pressed her head against my chest.
She really is adorable when she’s like this. How could an animal lover like me ever stay away from such a cute doggie? Cute, but strong...
I winced a little. She’d barely brushed me with her head, but it hurt quite a lot regardless.
I hope I’m never on the receiving end of one of her less gentle shoves...
“Whoa!” I snapped out of my Koa-haze as something shoved me from behind—something I soon discovered to be none other than an indignant-looking Chai.
What? Did I do something? Nothing’s coming to mind...
“Grrrrrr.”
“Oh, sorry, girl!” I’d stopped patting her on account of the sudden shove, which she clearly wasn’t pleased about. I resumed my duties as requested, scratching her behind the ears and around her face. She seemed to enjoy it most when I scratched the spot between her eyes.
A minute later, I got shoved again. Chai looked even more annoyed than before.
Wait, do you want some pats too?
I shifted slightly so that I could reach both of them. One hand still on Koa, I reached out with the other and scratched Chai lightly between the eyes.
Huh? Koa seems to like it, but your reaction isn’t quite the same... What’s up?
Chai accepted the scratches motionlessly for a moment—before headbutting the arm scratching Koa and shoving himself between us.
Huh? None of them have done something like this before... Hang on, does he want special Chai-only pats? You big softie—
I reached out to give him double-handed pats but pulled back after seeing his expression.
Not special Chai-only pats, then. Hmm... Wait, if he’s not jealous of Koa...
“Chai, you’re not jealous of me, are you?”