A Doll By Any Other Name

Lina stared at the doll, stunned. It had to be a coincidence, it had to be. Rowen and Lori had just finished opening the winter gifts sent from Lina's parents and Lori was thrilled to discover her last gift was a beautiful handcrafted doll. She hugged it happily to her chest like it was her new best friend.

Lina was more stunned and unsure how to feel. The doll did not look exactly like her, its dress was a light blue, but the hair style and even the face painted on resembled her.

She glanced to Gourry, but he showed no concern, as usual. Lina knew better than to rely on Gourry's swiss cheese memory. Still, she had thought he would at least-

"Mom, you okay," Rowan asked as he closed his new tool box.

Lina gave a shaky smile. "Yeah, sure, I'm fine sweetie." She turned her attention to Lori. "So, kiddo, what name are you going to give the doll?"

Lori bit her bottom lip in thought. "I don't know."

"How about Ozel?" Lina jumped and whipped around to face Gourry. He smiled calmly and finished, "Doesn't that sound like a good name for a doll?"

Rowen stuck out his tongue. "Dad, that's a dumb name."

"No, it's not!" Lori protested, holding her doll protectively. "I like it, it's the perfect name for her." Lori then held the doll up. "Don't listen to my stupid brother, you're my new favorite doll."

Rowen rolled his eyes and went back to reading his book.

Gourry wrapped his arm around Lina's shoulder and gave a small wink. "We can tell Lori about her when she's older."

Lina smiled back and watched Lori lovingly hug her new doll.