by Mayzie Carleton
Beady black eyes, clouded by time. Light brown fur, worn and matted. Pockmarked nose, gnawed by tiny teeth. Beans dispersed unevenly: some places full, others lacking. Soft velvety paws made even softer over time. Childhood memories buried deep in her fur, stowed there by an adventurous little girl year after year. A little girl who isn’t quite so little anymore. A girl, now embarrassed by her teddy bear: unwilling to be seen as childish. Yet, the bear is comforting. Fond memories flood back at a touch. She smells of home and her presence is soothing. The girl realizes her bear is precious: a treasure not many people have. A lifetime companion.