[Midnight, house quiet] While family sleeps, three burglars enter with ill intentions. Knew the family and alarm code. One enters Elena's room, going through things, barely glances at dolls. Hears whisper, don't hurt my mommy. Sees child asleep, thinks he's hearing things. Little Ethan has to use bathroom, stumbles sleepy into hallway, screams, waking mom and dad. Two burglars subdue husband and wife, third rounds up children, all tied up in living room. What now? We didn't plan for this. Gonna have to make it look like an accident. One says, do we have to? My kids play with theirs. All the more reason. They may figure out who did this. They split up. Basement. Burglar sees shimmer between boxes, two blue eyes looking. Don't hurt my mommy. Ice pick falls, lands in boxes, severe pain, crawls for stairs, hears singing, all the king's horses all the king's men couldn't put him together again, bowling ball tumbling off shelf, smack. Down one. Kitchen. Second burglar opens junk drawer. Penelope sitting there, clean dress, fresh lacquer. Picks her up. Chest crackles, jingle jingle, I love you mommy, eyes stay open. Whispers, DON'T HURT MY MOMMY. Drawer slams shut on his hand, stumbles back into pantry, cast iron skillets stacked too high come down. Down two. Living room. Third burglar with family, knife out. Hears from hallway, jingle jingle I love you mommy. Elena's bedroom door creaks open by itself. Penelope standing on her own. Tilts head, crack. Every doll in Elena's room eyes open at same time. He drops knife. Larry headbutts him. Kids scream. Rosie next door already had 911 on speed dial. Sirens. Police kick door. Find family untying kids, Elena holding Penelope tight. Third burglar in corner rocking, whispering don't hurt my mommy. Detective asks what happened. Marie looks at Penelope on shelf, eyes closed, innocent. We were protected. Later, Marie tucks Elena in. Penelope not on shelf. On nightstand. Closer to bed. Chest crackles soft, only Elena can hear, I love you mommy... I'm home now. Larry looks at Marie and says, Babe... let's let her stay. Some dolls find you. And some mommies need a daughter who never leaves. [Music box winds down... click]
