That did it! Without thinking about it, I wished that Sheila would turn into a mannequin. It just seemed right. It was obvious that she saw herself as one, anyway --
that the way she looked was more important than the way she behaved.
It wasn't until she started to change that I really realized what I had done.
Sheila suddenly stood up straight, her arms going into a mannequin-like position. Her whole body went stiff, as her face took on a passive expression. As I
watched, I could see her skin take on a hard, shiny appearance, reflecting the overhead lights of the mall. It all happened so fast, that it was over almost before I
knew it was happening.
For a few moments, all I could do was stare at the mannequin that had been my future stepmom. Softly, I called her name a couple of times, but she just stood
there and stared into space. I reached forward and lightly tapped her cheek with a knuckle. It made a hallow, yet solid, noise. In her carrier, Andrea was staring up
at the mall's newest display figure. She had one of those baby-smiles on her face, and was reaching toward the unmoving young woman.
Did she know what had happen? For that matter, did Sheila know? Or was she just a mannequin now, with no trace of her former self inside?