Overview:
"The Doll" is a short story written by the Filipino author Egmidio Enriquez. It tells the story of a man named Pepe, who develops an eerie and possessive relationship with a rag doll named Rosa. The plot revolves around Pepe's obsession, the mysterious power of the doll, and the unsettling events that unfold as he becomes more and more enchanted with Rosa.
Plot Summary:
- Introduction: The story begins with Pepe, a reserved man living in a dilapidated house with his mother and younger siblings. He works as a sacristan in a nearby church and leads a simple, uneventful life.
- Arrival of the Doll: One day, Pepe stumbles upon a beautiful, abandoned rag doll discarded on the street. He takes it home and presents it to his younger siblings, who delight in playing with it. However, Pepe feels a strange connection to the doll and names her "Rosa."
- Obsession with Rosa: As time passes, Pepe's fascination with Rosa grows, and he begins to spend more time alone with her. He starts treating her like a real child, dressing her, talking to her, and even sharing his meals with her.
- Unexplained Events: Mysterious events start occurring in the house. Pepe swears he hears Rosa's voice calling out to him and witnesses bizarre occurrences around the doll. When he shares these experiences with his family, they dismiss them as mere hallucinations resulting from his imagination.
- Growing Tensions: Pepe becomes increasingly isolated as he spends more time with Rosa and neglects his family and friends. His mother confronts him about his strange behavior, urging him to let go of the doll. However, he refuses, convinced that Rosa is a living being.
- Climax: One night, Pepe's obsession reaches its peak when he discovers bloodstains on Rosa's dress and around the house. He becomes convinced that Rosa is responsible and descends into madness.
- Tragic Ending: In the final, chilling scene, Pepe's family finds him in a state of derangement, hugging the lifeless doll. He refuses to let go, and the story concludes on an eerie note, leaving the readers with a profound sense of unease.