Intake No. 1001

The Gothling Orphan Asylum

Ward Assignment: The Unfinished Departures
Status: Available for Adoption
Disposition: Suspiciously Alive, Fiercely Protective, Reluctant to Discuss the Incident

Patient History

Intake No. 1001 was discovered sitting quietly outside the asylum gates at precisely 3:13 in the morning.

There was no luggage, no identification, and, according to the attending physician, no discernible pulse.

Naturally, the staff assumed there had been some dreadful mistake.

The mistake, as it turned out, was assuming 1001 was dead.

Records suggest that 1001 once served as a rather devoted guardian to someone who was terribly afraid of the dark. Every night, he would sit beside their bed, keeping watch over the shadows and the unpleasant things that occasionally crawled out of them.

One evening, something came crawling out that was considerably larger than usual.

What happened next remains unclear.

The only evidence recovered was a small red heart, several suspicious scratches along the floorboards, and a note written in an unfamiliar hand:

"He wouldn't let us take them."

The heart was subsequently stitched beneath 1001's ribs, where it remains to this day.

Whether it originally belonged to him is a matter of considerable debate.

Staff Observations

Despite his rather alarming appearance, 1001 has proven to be one of the asylum's more dependable residents.

He is exceptionally quiet, requires very little attention, and appears perfectly content to spend long periods staring into darkened corners.

The staff initially found this behavior unsettling.

They became considerably more unsettled when they realized he was occasionally staring at corners that were staring back.

1001 has also demonstrated an unusual attachment to anyone who appears frightened or distressed. He will position himself nearby, arms outstretched, and remain there until the perceived threat has passed.

Unfortunately, he does not always distinguish between genuine threats and perfectly innocent visitors.

The night watchman has requested a transfer.

Twice.

Special Considerations

Prospective adopters should be aware that 1001 takes his responsibilities as a guardian extremely seriously.

He does not require a nightlight, although he strongly recommends that you have one.

Should you hear unusual noises after dark, there is no need to investigate.

1001 has already heard them.

And he is considerably less frightened than you are.

Adoption Recommendation

The asylum believes 1001 would be particularly well suited to someone who has always felt a little uncomfortable with the dark, the unknown, or the unsettling suspicion that something might be watching from the other side of the bedroom door.

He may not be particularly cuddly in the traditional sense, and his bedside manner leaves something to be desired.

But 1001 has never abandoned someone who needed protecting.

Not even when it cost him his life.

Final Staff Note: 1001 has been informed that adoption means leaving the asylum. He seems quite pleased. The things lurking beneath the other residents' beds appear equally delighted.

Intake No. 1001 is awaiting adoption.

All Gothlings are handmade residents of the Danse Macabre Menagerie Orphan Asylum. Each comes with their own peculiar personality, questionable history, and a desperate desire to belong.

Once bonded, separation is discouraged.

Care and Construction Details:

• Handmade fleece construction
• Approximately 14" high for medium, 11” for small
• Intended for decorative or collection purposes
• Not recommended for young children
• Each Gothling is one of a kind
• Each Gothling carries a presence that lingers

Some orphans do not last long without homes.
This one has been waiting longer than most.

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