MANIP - Pageant Winner

This was a simple mannequin request that, after seeing the nice big sash with incomprehensible writing on it, I knew I could add weirder writing to it. I'm trying to imagine how the competition goes if the living mannequins are also actual mannequins. "We'll it's been fourteen weeks and so far, none of the living mannequins have even blinked. These girls are made of steel." "Actually, Dan, they're some form of plastic or fiberglass."

Transcript

Translated from Japanese:

"Mei, I am so proud of you," her mother said. "I deeply regret calling your dreams of being crowned Miss Living Mannequin foolish all those years. When you were named as one of four representatives from Japan to compete here in Manila, I shamefully admit I thought you had peaked. Then, when you disagreed with me about how you should be posed today, I thought all was lost. I am humbled to admit, daughter. Because you were right, you are now recognized as the best living mannequin in Asia.

"Three months from now, we'll ship you to Berlin, and I'll fly first class, to see if you can win the top prize you've always dreamed of: Miss Living Mannequin of the World.

"I'm sure you are pleased as well. I have a gift for you. Bring it in boys. This pose is so perfect. You will use it in Germany. I had a specially crafted case made so the pose will be preserved until you compete and win in Berlin."

She spoke to the men.

"Good, I see you have white gloves, as requested. Before you pack her away, boys. Let me get a pic of her. The sash goes here on this table, not in the case.

"Why pack her away?

"Sure, the pageant doesn't ask them to remain as mannequins between competitions. But, Mei will be stored because she did not listen to her mother about how to pose today. It's not important that she was right. A good daughter listens to her mother. I didn't devote my life to carting around a useless, plastic dummy for it to disrespect its mother." The screeching anger in her voice faded. Her shoulders sagged. A tear ran down her face.

Quietly, "Knowing Mei, she prefers being locked away in a case over dealing with the real world for the next three months. That's why she wins these silly competitions.

"Being a mannequin isn't something she turns on and off when she need to. She embraces all there is about being a mannequin, like spending months packed into a box. She's always felt an affinity for dolls. When she would play with dolls, she played along side them. She feels she is one of them.

"I shouldn't cry. Pack her away carefully. We have a plane to catch. She's no doubt thrilled to learn that I understand what makes her tick. I've always known who you are, daughter. Now, enjoy your vacation. You deserve it. You know I was never really mad at you. Well, 'useless, plastic dummy' may have crossed a line. My apologies, Mei-San."