The smooth and lively tune from the brass music box momentarily mesmerized Masanobu Itakura.
Before he could fully come to his senses,
Click—
The box that couldn't be pried open just a moment ago opened on its own.
Inside, a plastic doll slowly rose.
It was about 30 centimeters tall, a figure of a ballet dancer.
There are many music boxes on the market, and when opened, there is usually a tiny figure inside that twirls to the music.
This oversized brass music box was probably of that sort as well.
The girl in the box wore a white, tattered ballet dress, its hem smeared with crimson stains, indistinguishable as either paint or dried blood.
The music of "Waltz of the Little Dog" became merrier and merrier.
The girl inside the box kept on turning.
Dancing, dancing.
Masanobu Itakura gazed intently at the dancing doll, inexplicably feeling a hint of eeriness.
In a trance, he seemed to hear a plaintive weeping mingled within the cheerful music.
