There was something about the doll that was just a little off: its eyes asymmetrical, hair wild and wiry, lips a little too pouty, skin mottled. Still, her daughter loved it, playing with it often, embracing the creepiness of the strange toy in the way only a lonely child could.

Ran Walker is the author of over 30 books, including Apollo’s Toy Box. He teaches creative writing at Hampton University and lives in Virginia with his wife and daughter.