Doll Parts

Visitor

The sweet scent of honey roared in my nostrils. The street before me was packed with tiny shops and stands, all unique and full of surprises. Not a bad start! When I first arrived into the trance, I was confused by my new ability to think and speak in the trance alone. I knew UNO had already told me that I wouldn't be able to speak or hear outside of the trance, but then again, I was basically double-thinking, right? How much more do I have to learn about Abstract Thought? I guess this means I won't be able to use my radio either. Hell, it's not even on me. I let out a hearty laugh as I walked down the street, admiring the cute stores.
The civilians were some of the friendliest I had met in an untrue dream. One kind lady even handed me a necklace made of frog lily petals and clam shell bits dipped in gallium. "What for?" I asked.
She let out a soft giggle. "They're for every newcomer."
"Do you remember your newcomers?"
"We Bai Ze have strong intellect, hence why we can understand human speech."
I chuckled, "Oh, I'm no human, not even close, but I may just have a few similarities with you glorious beasts."
"Why, thank you!" the lady turned to skip away, waving her right wing at me. "Have a nice day, newcomer!"
Already heartwarmed by the new society, I continued my way down the street, hearing the calls of shopkeepers cheering about their beloved products...
"Beautifully-handcrafted flower vases!"
"Polaroid cameras! They're high in quality!"
"Custom art dolls! Twenty-percent discount today only!"
"Fresh honey-dipped scorpion pops!"
Scorpion lollipops? Score!
One scorpion pop later, I walked down a calmer, emptier street, chewing on the white stick where honey used to hold itself sturdy. Throwing it away in a nearby public trash can, I noticed how grey the skies became. The sound of muffled thunder almost startled me, but I was more paranoid by the large crowd ahead of me. I made my way through, demanding my anxiety to stay put where it currently was. Eventually, I found the end of the line dangling from the ticket stand of a subway station underground. While I stood waiting my turn, I was surprised by the fact that no one noticed how different I was from them. Perhaps unicorns have visited here before. Thanks for not making me feel like an outcast, UNO! I still hate you though.
"Next, please?" I stepped forward, eyeing the employee working in the stand. "Just you?" he asked. I nodded, looking at the map next to the window. I asked the lad, "Where do you recommend newcomers to go when they've just arrived?"
"Well, Shandar Square is a popular tourist area in Lugar de Baile. I'll sell you a ticket for the subway that goes there if you'd like."
"That would be great, thanks," I replied. "But before I pay, does this city accept a different currency other than cocoins? If not, I'll exchange for whatever you use."
"No, we use cocoins, so you have no need to worry about our financial system."
I sighed happily, "Good. So, how much do I owe you?"
"It's usually two cocoins, but it's rush hour right now, so it's a half more."
"Perfect."
On the subway, there were dozens of Bai Ze sitting and standing, but being small, claustrophobia didn't affect me. The vehicle arrived at my stop as the computerized voice announced, "Green Line Number Eight: Shandar Square Central." Abstract Thought wasn't caught up with Reality's time, but at least it had the fancy subways with the trackers inside. At each stop, they scanned the cars for the stops assigned on each ticket (also, it used a light similar to x-rays, but far safer), and the subway wouldn't move again until the tickets corresponding with that stop were out of the car. So if you heard complaining on a subway, you'd know it was because someone with that spot's ticket wouldn't get off.
I got off on my stop, but I wasn't greeted by too many individuals that time. I wasn't bothered by it, no, because from experience, I didn't care, but then again, It's so strange how a town full of the friendliest beings also has a dark fragment of itself. Once again, I didn't mind. I actually forgot to question Shandar Square when I came across a large stand run by a sweet married couple. They looked so happy with their business, and that made me smile knowing that I was a witness of a joyful moment. I want to see what they're selling!
Right as I walked up to the stand, the husband greeted me, "Hello, newcomer! We've never had a unicorn visit Shandar Square before."
"It's a pleasure to be the first," I replied. "What are you selling here?"
"Dolls," the wife answered with a pretty smile. "See any you like?"
"Hmm." I scanned each doll, top to bottom, left to right, and back on top again until my eyes locked on a little fluffy lamb doll dressed in a green overall dress with a black and white-striped shirt underneath. "That lamb is cute," I said.
"You want her?" the wife asked. "She's only 30 cocoins."
"That little for an antique doll?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Well, she's one of our newer ones made from true white cotton fabric curled in lukewarm metal. Her eyes are made of durable plastic, and they are resistant to ultraviolet light. Her clothing is stitched out of green ivy leaf suede and flat cotton. While she's made out of cheaper materials, she is also a treasure worth keeping in your home."
"She'll look lovely in my treehouse," I said. "Does she have a name?"
"Darcy, if I remember. And she can be yours for 30 cocoins."
"Sold." I gave the wife the cash, and she took it smoothly, ensuring none of the bills got another wrinkle. She looked back at me with an even brighter smile, giving me the doll. "Thank you, darling."
I chuckled with a nod before saying, "You two have a nice day now." The couple waved at me. Behind them, I thought I saw a pair of eyes staring at me, shining against the hidden sunlight. But then I thought, That durable plastic is reflective as hell.