Work Text:
A decent fraction of Gloria's paycheck always seemed to make its way back to the company who signed it. There was a twisted irony in it, one that her mind could never focus on for too long if she wanted to keep herself from pulling out chunks of her hair. Though, if she were being honest, new Golden Dream and Loving You Barbies were more than worth the trouble of covering up a few bald spots. Not everyone was so lucky to get their pre-orders in, after all.
Gloria opened her confirmation email again, as though it might disappear if she didn't reread it every few minutes. The dolls looked exactly like she remembered them - as radiant and perfect as when she'd first spotted them in the pages of Toys R Us' catalogues. They were seemingly untouched by time, the picture of plastic perfection.
Gloria eyed the anniversary dates printed beneath them, then just as quickly pulled her gaze away. They were numbers she could barely comprehend, let alone offer much more than a passing thought - for the sake of her hair as much as her sanity.