The Voice Inside My Doll

Summary

On the morning Mom was called in for an emergency shift at the hospital, I had to walk the last block to preschool by myself.

I was just passing the awning of the corner diner when a pair of heavy hands hooked under my ribs, hoisting me clean off the pavement.

"Come on, sweet girl," a man’s voice boomed, rich and theatrical. "Daddy’s got you. Time for school."

Terror locked my throat. I kicked frantically, my sneakers flailing in empty air. On the sidewalk, morning commuters threw curious, passing glances our way before looking back down at their phones.