Dalia slipped the smartphone back into the pocket of her black leggings, her human lips curving into an involuntary smirk. Michaela and Rachael. They must be Carly's friends...or rather they WERE Carly's friends. But as the warmth of the afternoon sun soaked into her skin, the distinction felt increasingly trivial. What was once Carly's was now hers.
She walked out of the park. As she approached Modez Fashion, she felt a strange thrill. A few hours ago, this had been her prison. Now, she could come and go as she pleased.
The bell above the door chimed as she pushed it open. The smell of linen, scented candles, and brand-new textiles hit her nose. How could anyone want to give this up?
"Look who finally crawled out of bed!" Michaela called out from behind the cash desk, her face lighting up with a genuine smile. "You look great, Dalia. I mean...I'm not sure I would after spending yesterday the way you did."
"Thank you," Dalia said, her voice smooth. "I feel like a new woman."
Rachael emerged from the back office, holding a clipboard. She stopped, looking Dalia up and down, a soft sigh of relief escaping her. "Dalia. Honestly, I can't thank you enough for yesterday. I know the gas leak ruined the grand finale, but the morning rush was still a success. I owe you."
"It was my pleasure," Dalia replied, her eyes drifting past Rachael's shoulder.
There, in the corner display, stood the four mannequins.
Dalia walked over to them, drawn by an irresistible curiosity. Three realistic ones, and the traditional white plastic one at the end. But her focus was entirely on one in particular. The denim dress was gone, replaced by a vibrant autumn trench coat. The long blonde wig had been swapped for a sleek, shoulder-length brown one. But she'd know that face anywhere.
Dalia stepped closer, staring into the smooth, painted face of the mannequin. She looked down at the right foot, snugly tucked into a beige pump. Hidden beneath that shoe was a maker's mark.
"Rachel did a good job, didn't she?" Michaela said, walking up beside Dalia and looking at the same display. "Rachael changed her wig and entire style today because she said looking at the blonde one just made her feel guilty for leaving you behind during the evacuation. But honestly, this one looks so real, I swear she's watching us."
Dalia smiled, a genuine, warm, human smile. "She isn't watching, Michaela. She's just enjoying the stillness."
Michaela gave her an odd look at that.
