The little grey Teddy Bear sat in the back corner of the long shelf, wistfully watching the employees clean up and put away the Christmas decorations. He didn’t really mind that he hadn’t been chosen to go home with someone. After all, the little red plaid bow around his neck was frayed with a funny twist and the black seams on one of his ears didn’t match the other. That’s why he’d come to the place for damaged toys. No one in the discount store ever expected to find homes during the season when so many children clamored for new perfect things. All the same, a few toys from this misshaped little brother had been chosen and he hoped they were all finding joy today.
He watched for a long time, intermittently dozing to the sound of brooms and vacuums moving across the tiles and carpet. Occasionally, he thought to wonder what would happen to those left behind but mostly he was still tired from the ebb and flow of excitement and hope during the holiday shopping season. Every toy, even discount ones, dreamed of cuddly arms and a bright smiling face to love.
It was late afternoon when the jingle of the doorbell brought his attention back to the present and he watched with mild interest as a tired-looking young woman cautiously stepped inside. He didn’t understand why she seemed embarrassed as she tugged at the zipper on a threadbare old coat. Didn’t she know how their hearts leapt to see her?
Straightening up as best he could, the little Teddy followed her with his black button eyes as she tentatively walked the aisles and he wriggled with pleasure when she stopped in front of the big purple Unicorn with a lopsided golden horn. The big horsey creature had always been so kind and the little Bear thought it appropriate that he be chosen. He felt almost offended when she moved on.
She paused again in front of Raggedy Ann and Andy and again he was sure she would take them home. Despite the frayed hems on their clothing and funny-looking knots in their red yarn hair, they were always so cheerful and helpful. But, again, she continued her search.
She was getting closer to him now and the little Bear’s heart began to pound. Soon she would see him! He didn’t think of hoping. She’d already passed so many good little toys!
As their eyes met, it surprised him to see a tear roll down her cheek. He didn’t want anyone to be sad. Did she feel sorry for him? Did she think he was ugly? If only she could feel the overwhelming yearning in his heart. If only she knew how much he wanted to reach out and take her hand. Even just a finger to reassure her that he understood. To tell her that he loved.
Then her arms reached out and he snuggled into her hands as she drew him to her heart. He couldn’t understand why she’d chosen him above the others, but his heart soared with joy as he waved goodbye to his friends. He wanted so badly for them to experience this moment for themselves.
“He’s perfect!” The woman enthused as the clerk nestled him into red tissue paper inside a green and gold bag. “We don’t have much, but I want to give my little girl something this year.”
“You have a Merry Christmas.” The clerk responded cheerfully.
After that, the little Bear didn’t remember much. He really tried to stay awake, not wanting to miss a moment of this new life, but the hum and vibration of traveling down the highway lulled him.
Rousing with a start when the car door opened and the woman lifted his bag, he was perplexed to find that he couldn’t stretch himself. This bag was so much more confining than his old spacious shelf! Straining his ears and nose as the woman carried him up the stairs, he wondered at the sounds and smells around him. If only he could see through all this paper!
Shrieking giggles of joy astounded him when the woman entered the apartment and he wondered at the goings on above him when she set his package down. Then her gentle hands passed him to a child.
He almost squirmed at the feeling of these new little fingers. They weren’t tender like the mother’s had been. They were excited and full of energy and they made him tingle with love.
“Oh, mommy!” Shining eyes and a breathless smile welcomed him to his home. “I love him!”