This is the first doll I've written a story for. She is listed for sale on my etsy shop. [link]


Cherish Heart hummed as she skipped back to the cottage. One more hill to overcome and she'd see her beloved Tinman again. She could practically hear his ax splitting wood. Licking her bronze lips, she pulled a flower from her picnic basket and tucked into her flaming hair. Her gold eyes reflected the sunset.

Above, the trees began to tremble. Leaves exploded as dozens of birds took off in unison. Cherish slowed to a halt as she watched. Turning, she looked for what could have spooked them. Swift movement in the trees made her heart thump in her chest. Cherish took off running for the remaining hill. She'd be safe with her Tinman.


The Tinman swung his ax at the witch's minion. He clipped the monkey's wing as another one slammed into his back. Falling to his knees, Tinman staggered to gain his feet but found himself surrounded by flying primates. They screeched with laughter as they flocked around him.

A high pitched scream froze him. The Tinman looked to the hill that led to the woods. His heart, his Cherish, was being lifted into the air by flying pests.

Roaring in rage, he threw the monkeys off him and climbed to his knees. Taking his ax, he swung, felling two minions. Ramming into a few monkeys, he created a hole in the circle. Tinman's legs clunked as he ran up the hill to save his heart.

Thunder rumbled above. With every clap, his feet pounded the earth. The first rain drop hit as he reached the monkeys trying to fly off with Cherish. Leaping, he grabbed one around the ankle and pulled it down to him.

Cherish tilted. The weight of her bronze body caused her to crash to the ground. She landed with a monkey beneath her. Tinman fought his way to her side. The sky thickened with monkeys. Through their beating wings and horrible cries, he swung his ax in fury. Rain continued to fall. Tinman felt his joints tighten. The only thought on his mind was Cherish.


Cherish fought as best as she could. The monkeys overwhelmed her with their great numbers. She knew her love fought only feet away but she couldn't see him. The rain soaked her clothing. It ran over her rivets, leaking into her parts. Cherish quickly lost her ability to move. She knew the same would happen to her man of tin.

Monkeys took advantage. Her basket fell away as they grabbed at her. Feet leaving the ground once more, she finally caught sight of Tinman. Though his movements were stiff, he still fought. Monkeys were pulling away as if realizing he couldn't inflict as much damage. Cherish watched his ax fall from his hands.

Rain plastered her hair to her face and ran into her eyes. It filled her sockets, mixing with her tears, and spilling onto her cheeks. Her eyes never left Tinman as be became a small blot in the distance.

The witch deposited Cherish Heart on a small island. In the middle of this island was a tower surrounded by a moat with no bridge. Day by day Cherish's shiny bronze body grew tarnished. Her once bright gold eyes turned blue with all the tears of sorrow they held.


Frozen in place until the day a girl from Kansas eased the stiffness in his joints, the Tinman never stopped thinking of Cherish. He dreamed of the day he would be reunited with his heart.