It all began on a chilly autumn evening. A package arrived on the front porch—unbidden, unmarked, wrapped in plain brown paper. Inside, nestled in faded floral fabric, was a doll. Its porcelain face was unnervingly lifelike, with cheeks dusted in a soft blush and lips painted into a faint, knowing smile. But its eyes were what truly held the gaze. They were deep-set, glassy orbs that seemed to ...
