Crush
Ivy watched as Topher ran his slender fingers over the control panel on the imprint chair. It was all second nature to him now. It was a wonder that the man before her was not entirely bored, considering how often he does the same task. Over and over, the same process of printing dolls into believable people, and bringing them back to their innocent state. He had the same dialogue day after day with the same people. How monotonous his life was, and yet, he did it with complete focus and interest.
"Hello Echo," Topher's voice snapped her back into reality, only to find that a doll was standing directly behind her.
"Are you ready for your treatment?" He asked, knowing full well what the answer would be. Echo moved to sit in the chair as Ivy stepped back. The chair reclined, and suddenly, she shook. She shook as she always did, but she stayed in the chair. Then it was over. The chair rose, and a whole new person entered the room.
"Hello Ashley," Topher referred to his pad as he addressed the newly imprinted Echo.
"Oh, who might you be?" She asked, casually taking his hand to help herself up. Ivy felt her blood rushing to her cheeks. Anger? Jealousy? She knew that "Ashley" would be gone in a few moments, but this was strange. Never before had she felt this way over an encounter between an over-flirtatious doll and a coworker.
"If you will follow me," Boyd stepped in, now, "I will take you to your Husband." She walked away, or rather, strutted, following Boyd out of the lab.
"Okay, then," Topher grinned awkwardly, "that was strange." Even though she knew that the attraction was not reciprocated, she still felt defensive over her dearest Topher.