A dimly lit, clothing store after hours. The fluorescent ceiling lights buzz faintly, casting harsh, uneven light across a central aisle. Four mannequins are spaced along the aisle — two on each side — posed among hanging garments and cluttered shelves. Three of the mannequins stand stiffly, facing across the aisle in typical fashion poses, emotionless and lifeless. But the fourth one, positioned slightly closer, is turned to face the viewer directly. Its head is tilted just slightly to one side, and its mouth is stretched into an unnaturally wide, human-like smile — too expressive, too knowing. Its blank, glossy eyes catch the overhead light in a way that feels intentional. The atmosphere is thick with silence and stillness, but there's a growing sense that something is wrong. The other mannequins remain unchanged, oblivious, while the smiling one seems to be waiting. See more