**The Uninvited Guests**

The sun had just set over the bustling streets of New Haven, casting a warm orange glow over the town. The smell of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, enticing passersby to stop and sample the treats. However, amidst the cheer and charm, a sense of unease settled in the pit of Moxy's stomach. She stood outside the old Victorian house, her eyes fixed on the faded doll shop sign creaking in the gentle breeze. The once-vibrant storefront now seemed dull and uninviting, a reflection of the town's decline. Moxy, a 25-year-old with an unruly mane of curly brown hair and a scattering of freckles across her cheeks, felt an inexplicable pull to the shop. She had always been sensitive to the emotions and auras of those around her, and something about the shop seemed to be calling to her. Her friends, a motley crew of misfits, stood gathered behind her, their eyes scanning the area with varying degrees of curiosity and suspicion. Luna, with her icy blonde hair and pierced nose, looked like she'd rather be anywhere else. "I don't know, Moxy, this feels like a bad idea," she said, her voice laced with skepticism. Moxy turned to her, a determined glint in her eye. "Come on, guys, we can't just leave her hanging. We have to see what's going on." She pushed open the creaky door, and a bell above it let out a tired clang. The group hesitated, but Moxy's enthusiasm was infectious, and they slowly followed her into the shop. The interior was a mess, with dolls strewn about like they had been abandoned mid-play. Moxy's eyes widened as she took in the sight, her gaze lingering on a particularly gruesome-looking porcelain doll with a cracked face. Luna sidled up beside her, her voice barely above a whisper. "This place is seriously creepy." A figure emerged from the back room, its presence commanding attention. Moxy felt a shiver run down her spine as the woman approached. The stranger's features were difficult to make out, but her eyes seemed to bore into Moxy's very soul. "Welcome to my home," the woman said, her voice husky and inviting. "I've been expecting you, Moxy. My name is Isabella, and I've been waiting for someone with your... particular set of skills." Moxy exchanged a wary glance with her friends, sensing that something was off. But as she looked deeper into Isabella's eyes, she saw a glimmer of something there, something that made her feel like she was on the cusp of uncovering a long-buried secret. "Waiting for me?" Moxy repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. Isabella nodded, a small, enigmatic smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Moxy. You see, I've been collecting dolls for a very long time. And I think it's time I started collecting friends." As Isabella's words hung in the air, Moxy felt a shiver run down her spine. She had a feeling that she and her friends were about to embark on a journey that would change their lives forever. And as they stood there, frozen in anticipation, Moxy couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden in the shadows of Isabella's doll shop.