Opposites Attract

Natasha, the smallest one, wanted to explore the world, but she couldn’t. She was trapped inside her many sisters. The only memories she had of the outside world were when she was created. Clinging to those memories, she tried to make sense of what she had seen all those years ago. At the same time Anastasia, the largest and always on display, felt exposed. Though a smile was painted on her face, she didn’t feel as happy as she appeared.

One day, Anastasia saw her owner, Meg, talking with her best friend, Autumn. “I’ve always wondered how many there are in your set,” her friend said, gesturing toward the table.

“I wouldn’t know; I’ve never opened them up,” Meg remarked.

“Well, there’s a first time for everything,” Autumn said, reaching for Anastasia.

Anastasia felt strange as Autumn’s warm hands touched her fragile, porcelain body. She was being opened. It didn’t hurt, but an uncomfortable sensation spread through her body. She was flabbergasted when she realized what was happening. There were more Anastasias inside of her, each smaller than the one before.

As for Natasha, she heard a strange rustling in the outside world and panicked. Then she saw a bright, almost blinding light, and the world came into focus. As she looked around, she saw more copies of herself, every one bigger than she was. As she turned to her side, she saw the biggest one of all. Fearlessly, she introduced herself. “Hi, I’m Natasha.”

“I’m Anastasia,” she replied in a surprisingly small voice.

“I’ve never seen anything like this!” Natasha exclaimed. “All my life I’ve been in darkness, but today I can see the outside world. I’ve always wanted to explore.”

“Really? I would rather have some privacy than always be out here,” Anastasia said gently.

“You mean you see everything?” Natasha gasped. “Could you tell me stories of the outside world?”

Anastasia was surprised that Natasha wished to experience the daily happenings she considered frightful. As Anastasia recounted her stories, they bonded with each other, and the two Russian nesting dolls, who were complete opposites, because friends.