Today was the day Mabel and Anne were playing with the magnificent dollhouse gifted by Duke Caius. It was a sprawling pink castle, the quintessential playhouse for any child.
Mabel held a princess doll adorned in a sparkling tiara and an elegant gown. Meanwhile, Anne clutched a prince doll decked out in princely attire, complete with a sword.
"Prince, please help me from my evil stepmother!" Mabel declared in a voice that transported her deep into the realm of make-believe.
Yet, Anne remained unresponsive, lost in a world of her own daydreams. Mabel couldn't help but worry, and she tried to jolt Anne back to reality.
"Anne? Are you alright?"
Anne snapped back, as she always did, but her apology lacked context. "Ah, I'm sorry, Mabel," she said, leaving Mabel puzzled.
