The mannequin stared at me again, just like it did every morning.

It was the same this morning as every morning. My route would pass in front of the shop; the same steely look from that dummy. I didn't want to admit it to my older sister, but there was something about that look that made me completely afraid. "Come on, you!" she said. "Stop your dawdling, we're going to be late again, and every time we're late, it's all your fault. Come on!"

I glanced over my shoulder at the mannequin once more. I was sure, this time. Something had changed. She'd definitely moved since the first time I looked. Her arms had adjusted slightly. Surely, she must be uncomfortable, standing there, completely motionless the whole day. Surely, she'd at least fidget? Or blink? "Come on!" The voice was insistent this time, and my sister almost pulled my arm out of the socket as she grabbed my hand and pulled me towards school.

I daydreamed about the mannequin all day that day. Had she really moved? Had she really winked at me? I wanted to tell someone about it, but who was there to tell? My sister was probably the best bet. Mom wouldn't want to know, she was busy enough with Bubbie these days; it was up to us two girls to fend for ourselves. Sis wouldn't be very sympathetic, though. After all, the thing had made us late more than one day this week.

That evening, we walked past the window again. The nights were really drawing in quickly, and it was getting cold. "Sis?" I ventured. "Do you see the dummy in the window? I'm sure she moves!"

"Thank heavens", she replied. "I thought it was just me."