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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 2h

Its gaze lingers on her.

How couldn't its gaze linger on her?

Every other doll that she has would ask the same!

The doll smiles.

Another peaceful day.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 2h

A doll sitting on a picnic blanket!

It watches its fellow dolls play on the swings, the play structure, climbing the rock wall, moving across the monkey bars...

Its witch sits next to it, watching them as well!

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 1d

All this one really knows is that, this doll, it takes its tea with cinnamon!

A habit picked up from its witch, at that!

They nurse their cups of tea in the springtime fragrance~

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 1d

A doll!

It takes its tea with a dash of cinnamon!

What does that taste like?

This one isn't too sure! It knows it's had things with cinnamon, but it doesn't really know what cinnamon tastes like!

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 2d

His doll stands next to him, looking up at him.

He looks down at the doll.

And nods.

The doll nods back.

The witch looks back ahead.

Wipes further tears from his eyes.

And walks.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 2d

A witch.

He wipes tears from his eyes.

His face, he sets into a grimace.

He crawls to his feet.

He breathes deep, his breath shaking as he does.

And then he sighs, still shivering.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 3d

"I miss you."

The witch hugs his knees to his chest.

"I miss you."

He buries his face in his arms.

"I miss you..."

He breathes in deeply.

And sighs.

Maybe one day, he thinks to himself.

When all is said and done...

He'll see his doll again.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 3d

"I love you, I love you, I love you."

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 3d

"I don't know if any of my messages are reaching you."

"But... On the chance that they are..."

"Know that I'll always be here for you."

"I'll always be here to listen, to sit by your side as something to lean on, to be a friend, your friend, in all of your times of need."

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 5d

"Oh it certainly is. Even if you think it's just basic decency."

The doll takes the witch aside.

"It's worth remembering."

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 5d

The witch chuckles.

"Not wrong, my doll. Not wrong at -"

"But also for how kindly you've always treated me."

The witch lowers his head, a smile on his face.

"You deserve as much, my doll. It's nothing worth remembering me for."

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 5d

"What do you think I'll be remembered for?"

The doll pauses what it was doing and looks to the witch.

"Why do you ask, Sir?"

The witch frowns for a moment, in thought.

"Just... Sometimes I can't help but wonder y'know."

"Well, I'd remember you for how awkward you are."

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 6d

"Breathe. Let the magic flow through you."

The witch raises his hand...

And snaps his fingers.

A bouquet of flowers!

The witch opens his eyes.

Smiles.

And hugs the flowers tightly.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 7d

The doll walks up to the witch and takes her hands in its.

"At least to me, your smile is the most magical thing about you."

The witch looks away, a blush spreading across her face.

"You've gotta be kidding me..."

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 7d

The witch...

Is taken aback!

"M-my smile? That's not magic at all!"

The doll smiles in return.

"Whenever I see you smile, it never fails to make me happier, no matter how bad my day has been."

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 7d

"Oh c'mon, don't give me such a confused look. Out of all the spells I've cast, which one was the most exciting, most thrilling, most confusing, anything at all!"

The doll remains still for a moment longer...

Then...

"Your smile."

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 7d

"What is the most magical thing you've seen me do, my doll! Asking for a friend."

The doll pauses its task, looks at the witch, and tilts its head.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 8d

Her doll on the other hand...

It calls her its mother.

...

Truth be told...

That's good enough for her.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 8d

She was known as the father of modern magic.

Though, as one might guess, she didn't want to be known as the father of anything.

Alas, some titles end up sticking if they're significant enough.

...

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 8d

"Maybe. Want to come look with me, dolly?"

The doll tilts its head.

Then looks up at the umbrella overhead.

Then...

Closes it.

And closes its eyes.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 8d

A doll in the rain.

It watches its witch.

They left the comfort of their umbrella.

Their face up to the sky.

Their eyes closed.

...

"Do you see what you're looking for, Mx?"

The witch opens their eyes and turns to the doll.

They're already drenched through and through.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 10d

The doll thinks about its witch and sighs.

He's wonderful.

But back to the thought.

It's not a combat doll.

And it never will be.

It could never measure up.

...

Maybe it could one day, admittedly.

But not now.

...

But that's okay.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 10d

Maybe it'll freeze on the spot.

All its training for naught.

It's... entirely possible.

...

But its witch.

He watches it practice.

He's called it beauty in motion.

One of his favorite pastimes, perhaps eating a sandwich while watching it practice.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 10d

A blade doll.

And yet it isn't a combat doll.

Learning how to use a sword? A hobby at first.

Something it picked up on a whim.

It has never had to use its sword in battle.

But should it come to defending its witch?

...

Well, to be honest, it isn't sure what it would do.

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Absent Writer Doll @absencedoll.bsky.social · 11d

For, imaginary though he may be, the effect he has on his doll is quite real.

At least to this one...

He is just as real as any other witch.

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