37 Ways to Start Fire - Episode 4 (The Finale)

POV of Caroline Abbott

       In life, doors close behind us, locking us into the next part of our lives. We can try to find the key to unlock old doors, but that’s not the point. Doors wouldn’t close if we were meant to go back, and new ones wouldn’t open if we weren’t meant to move forward. 

     Now I stood before the next door of my life- quite literally. I took a deep breath, a shiver of excitement running through me. It was a bittersweet kind of day. I felt mournful over the home I left behind, but that was a door long ago closed. New doors awaited me. The “sweet” came from knowing I would soon meet my new siblings. That’s what my new girl, E, had called them. Siblings. There were 37 of them. I hoped each and every one of them was your stereotypical sibling; not afraid to argue with and annoy each other. I hoped that they each had their own personalities that conflicted with one another. Most of all, I hoped that they were above all loyal to one another, and despite their arguments, couldn’t imagine a life without each other. 

       The door to E’s room opened. I immediately saw the big blue dollhouse and wanted to cry. I was so lucky!

       A brunette doll who introduced herself as Marie Grace invited me into the dollhouse. Inside, I was in awe of its little details! Me-sized pots and pans sat on me-sized shelves in the kitchen. There were two tvs in the living room. I couldn’t believe this was my new home!

       Then, I met my siblings. Oh, I loved calling them siblings! I had 1 sibling at my home before. I would miss her, I thought. 

      Then, a doll pushed through the crowd. Samantha?! 

     Yes, it was Samantha, but it wasn’t the one I grew up with. This doll had a rounder face and fluffier hair. But, she greeted me with an enthusiastic energy. I couldn’t wait to get to know her! 

       I met so many dolls my head began to spin, and some names escaped my memory the moment they were told to me. I would catch on with time! 

POV of Nicki Hoffman

       After all this worrying and stress… it was for nothing. The letter had been about a new girl joining our family, not the other way around. I let out a content sigh of relief. 

       Now something of a party was going on. Every effort was made to make Caroline feel welcome. Just like when me and Isabel arrived, I realized. Everyone had here had always cared about me, I just needed to open up and embrace it. But now wasn’t the time to point out what I could better. Now was the time to go out and do it. 

       In the living room, Sweet Caroline played from some sort of video game Courtney had made. Caroline had told us how she loved that song when she was little. From behind me, Isabel grabbed my arm and pulled me into the kitchen. 

      “What are you doing?” I laughed.

       She gestured to Caroline. “I am NOT letting you be a grouchy introvert anymore.” 

       I laughed harder. 

      Isabel and I joined in on Min-Ji and Caroline’s conversation. Caroline was so nice, and so was Min-Ji! They were both pre-owned, and I was a little envious of the adventures they told us about. Min-Ji had come from a flea market! I realized, though, that I didn’t have to be jealous. These whole two weeks had been an adventure, and I couldn’t wait for more. Patience isn’t exactly one of my virtues, of course. 

       “I’m so happy to be home,” Caroline exclaimed. 

       Something fluttered in my stomach. Could this place really be her home? “What about the place you left behind?” I asked. 

      “Well…” she replied, “that was my home. Now my home is here.” 

       I awed. “I’m happy for you that it already feels like home. I was wondering… exactly what makes it feel that way?” 

       Min-Ji jumped in. “I know that for me, home is where my 37 siblings could set the place on fire.” 

       Caroline smiled. “I promise, if anyone starts a fire—- whether purpose or accident—- I’ll try to put it out. That’s what home is to me. Something you’d protect.” 

       We talked more that night, but my insides had never sparkled more than they did in that moment. Home was a million things, and it felt like everything at once. One thing was certain, however. I belonged. 

I know 37 ways to start a fire,

Each of them by name. 

And although I fear no candle flame,

The way love burns is not the same.

They are my sisters and my brother, 

and while we care for one another,

We each light our own separate ways.

So please, dear sibling,

Light a match,

And let it lead your way.

And for if the fire starts to spread,

Know that I shall be there to put it out.

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       *Cries* That was so good. ANYWAY, I’m done crying now. I got Caroline!! I went on eBay to find an Elizabeth, and ended up with a Caroline. Ummmmm, can someone explain that to me? I’m so excited to have her, because she’s a little bit harder to find and now I’m one doll closer to having all the historicals! Isabel, Nicki, and Caroline’s meet the doll thingies will be up… eventually? I started them, so they’re in the works. I don’t know what else to say here. Oh, I decided to start a bunch of different blog posts, so now I have some partially finished drafts. There’s one that’s really close to done as I’m typing this, so I might post it on, like, Wednesday(?) because I don’t feel like waiting for another week or two before posting it. Make sure to keep an eye out. ;) 

       Have a great week, and remember to eat your veggies! Bye! <3 

       - E, the girl behind Just Dolling