Doll House

Prologue

At exactly 3:25 am on December 20, a young couple rushed into the hospital. The young woman had gone into labor - she wasn't due until March. Nevertheless, the couple's son was born at exactly 3:48 am December 20, 1995. They named him Rei Ken Richards.

A side effect of being born to early tends to be some development problems. The newest Richard, or Ken as his parents called him, had a tiny problem with his right arm and left leg. Neither limb connected to the rest of his body properly. The doctors told the elder Richards that they could easily fix this issue, and to bring their son in when he was eight months old.

Four months after being born, little Ken was brought home from the hospital. It was exactly 12:13 pm the afternoon of March 4 1996 when Riley carried her newborn son into their house. He was smaller than the average baby, and much lighter. That was to be expected. Mathew- the father- had built the crib for their son, and Riley had made the blankets. They were a small family, but a happy one.

Four months after being brought home, Riley and Mathew took Ken back to the hospital. There the doctors fixed his arm and leg. Unfortunately, his leg - while fixed - would never be strong enough for him to walk on properly. Ken would have to use crutches for all of his life. The Richards didn't mind that their son was disabled. He had three perfect limbs and one slightly weaker one. Ken would be a happy and healthy boy. That was their wish.

Four months after his trip the the hospital, Ken turned one. His parents were beyond elated. Their son was healthy, and learning to speak. They would teach him the ways of crutches later. For now, they were a perfect family.

Six months after that, the wife of a co-worker of Mathew's came to babysit Ken. Her name was Marie Reynolds. Her five year old daughter Kim came with her. Kim and Ken quickly became friends despite the four year age difference. Marie was a great babysitter, and as a nurse she was able to help Ken master his crutches when he grew older.

Not all peace lasts however.