That night, once the household was silent, Megan slipped from her pillow‐fort hideout clutching the Chronivac. She tapped in a few quick commands:
Subject: Jeffery
Transformation: 8.5″ American Girl–style doll "Jenny"
Mobility Override: Locked unless in Megan’s presence
Voice Functions: Disabled in all but Megan’s direct vicinity
With a soft hum and a shimmer of light, the device completed its work. Where Jeff had lain moments before now sat a perfectly posed, smiling doll in a ruffled dress—hair neatly braided, face unrecognizable. Megan’s eyes sparkled as she gently picked up “Dolly Jenny” marveling at his porcelain-smooth limbs and tiny hands.
She tucked the Chronivac into the false bottom of Jeff's closet—beneath layers of board games and old and forgotten stuffed animals—knowing her mother and Jess would never think to look there because they would assume Jeff has the device with Him and not to check to hard. Then, leaning close, she whispered, “Shh… you’re safe now,” and placed the doll amidst her dozen other playthings, each carefully arranged on shelves in her room.
Morning
Jess bounded downstairs to find Lauren already scanning the hallway. “Mom, have you seen Jeff or the device?” she asked, rubbing her eyes.
Lauren shook her head, anxiety creasing her brow. “His bed’s empty, and the Chronivac’s gone. He must’ve slipped out last night with it.” She grabbed her coat. “I’m calling around—”
Jess paused by Megan’s open door and noticed the neat display of dolls. Megan sat in the center of the rug, rocking “Dolly Jenny” gently in her lap. The doll’s unblinking eyes stared serenely.
“Cool doll,” Jess said with a shrug. “But, uh… Have you seen Jeff or no where He went?”
Megan shook her head, hugging the doll tighter. “No I was asleep” she murmured, offering “Jenny” a sip from her juice box.
Neither Jess nor Lauren batted an eye—just two more toys among many. Off they went, certain Jeff had run away with the Chronivac and would surface eventually.
Meanwhile, upstairs in her room…
Megan arranged her dolls in a miniature tea party—Dolly Jenny seated at the head, tiny teacup in hand. Whenever she whispered “Playtime,” the doll’s head tilted just so, as if listening. And though Jeff couldn’t speak or move for anyone else, under Megan’s gentle fingers he seemed more alive than ever: her perfect playmate, protected by her hidden keep of the Chronivac.
Down the hall, Jess and Lauren searched in vain—unaware that Jeff was right there, frozen in plastic, waiting for Megan’s next command. And for now, it was exactly where he belonged.