Ill-Fated Couple

For generations, my family has worshipped a life-sized antique doll dressed in traditional clothing.

At every meal, we set out an extra place setting and offer the first bite of every delicacy to the jade dish in front of it.

My parents say that "Sir" is the guardian deity of our home and deserves offerings of fine food, which he consumes with his divine consciousness.

But I've seen it turn its head with my own eyes, its glassy pupils shifting toward me in the shadows, the corners of its lips curling into a chilling smile.

As if I... were the delicacy it wanted.

Theme: Grow freely beneath the sun